Religion and Faith: Jesus Walks or Takes the Wheel

Abstract

In 1981, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash collaborated on “Why Me Lord,” a song written by Kris Kristofferson that the two stars soaked in a cross between black gospel and Christian Baptist singing styles. After the playful piano introduction that comes straight out of the black church, the deep clear voice of Cash begins the song, asking God what he has done to deserve the blessings in his life. Then Ray joins him, providing a higher register to result in a beautifully melodious plea to Jesus to explain what they, as sinners, have done to deserve everything they have. Charles throws in heartfelt ad libs to create the spontaneity one might find in a black church. In the interlude that follows, Charles bursts forth with his trademark jazz-blues piano, an exuberant and soulful line that connects each line of each verse. As the song draws to a close, the voices of Charles and Cash are united as they sing of a devotion and resolve to walk forward with the knowledge that they need “Him.” The song is a beautifully produced, simple reminder that one of the shared spaces for soul and country music is the church.