Lyrics Page
Why
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Aug 23, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Nichole Nordeman's song 'Why' tells the story of the crucifixion through the eyes of a young girl who witnesses Jesus' suffering. She asks her father why everyone wants Jesus to die, and later hears Jesus cry out to God. The song then shifts to God's response, explaining that Jesus must die to save humanity, represented by the girl. It's a poignant reflection on the sacrifice of Christ and the love behind it, emphasizing the purpose of the cross.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
We rode into town the other day,
just me and my daddy.
he said I'd finally reached that age,
and I could ride next to him on a horse
that of course, was not quite as wild.
We heard a crowd of people shouting,
and so we stopped to find out why.
There was that man that my dad said he loved,
but today there was fear in his eyes.
So I said, 'Daddy, why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why is He dressed in that bright purple robe?
I bet that crown hurts Him more than He shows.
Daddy please, can't you do something?
He looks as though He's gonna cry.
You said He was stronger than all of those guys;
Daddy, please tell me why.
Why does everyone want Him to die?'
Later that day, the sky grew cloudy,
and Daddy said I should go inside.
Somehow he knew things would get stormy.
Boy was he right, but I could not keep from wondering
if there was something he had to hide.
So after he left, I had to find out.
I was not afraid of getting lost.
So I followed the crowds to a hill
where I knew men had been killed,
and I heard a voice come from the cross.
And it said, 'Father, why are they screaming?
Why are the faces of some of them beaming?
Why are they casting their lots for my robe?
This crown of thorns hurts me more than it shows.
Father please, can't you do something?
I know that You must hear my cry.
I thought I could handle a cross of this size.
Father, remind me why.
Why does everyone want me to die?
Oh, when will I understand why?'
My precious son, I hear them screaming.
I'm watching the face of the enemy beaming.
But soon I will clothe you in robes of my own.
Jesus, this hurts me much more than you know,
but this dark hour, I must do nothing,
though I've heard your unbearable cry.
The power in your blood destroys all of the lies;
soon you'll see past their unmerciful eyes.
Look, there below, see the child
trembling by her father's side.
Now I can tell you why...
she is why you must die.