Annie Lennox – Why
Annie Lennox’s “Why” is a deeply emotional song about heartbreak, confusion, and the unanswered questions that can remain after a relationship ends. The narrator appears to be struggling with the loss of love while still searching for an explanation. Rather than expressing anger, the song focuses on sadness, uncertainty, and the difficulty of accepting that some relationships cannot be repaired.
Released in 1992 on *Diva*, “Why” was one of Lennox’s first major solo recordings after her successful career with the Eurythmics. The album allowed her to show a more personal and reflective side of her artistry. The song became an important part of *Diva* and helped establish Lennox as a successful solo performer.
The music is gentle and polished, featuring piano, keyboards, soft percussion, and layered vocals. This restrained arrangement gives Lennox’s voice the central role. She sings with both control and vulnerability, creating the feeling of someone trying to stay composed while experiencing emotional pain. The song gradually becomes more intense without losing its quiet, elegant character.
“Why” has remained popular because its subject is universal. Many people understand the feeling of losing someone without receiving a clear explanation or satisfying closure. The song does not provide an easy answer; instead, it captures the lingering sadness of looking back on a relationship and wondering what caused it to fall apart. This emotional honesty has made “Why” one of Annie Lennox’s most memorable and enduring songs.
Annie Lennox Why Lyrics
Why...
Why...
How many times do I have to try to tell you
That I'm sorry for the things I've done, ooh. ooh, ooh
But when I start to try to tell you
That's when you have to tell me
Hey... this kind of trouble's only just begun
I told myself too many times
Why don't you ever learn to keep your big mouth shut
That's why it hurts so bad to hear the words
That keep on falling from your mouth
Falling from your mouth
Falling from your mouth
Tell me
Why...
Why...
I may be mad
I may be blind
I may be viciously unkind
But I can still read what you're thinking
And I've heard is said too many times
That you'd be better off
Besides...
Why can't you see this boat is sinking
(This boat is sinking this boat is sinking)
Let's go down to the water's edge
And we can cast away those doubts
Some things are better left unsaid
But they still turn me inside out
Turning inside out, turning inside out
Tell me
Why...
Tell me
Why...
This is the book I never read
These are the words I never said
This is the path I'll never tread
These are the dreams I'll dream instead
This is the joy that's seldom spread
These are the tears...
The tears we shed
This is the fear
This is the dread
These are the contents of my head
And these are the years that we have spent
And this is what they represent
And this is how I feel
Do you know how I feel?
'Cause i don't think you know how I feel
I don't think you know what I feel
I don't think you know what I feel
You don't know what I feel