15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY

Reading Time: 16 min read

15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY features songs by Jadakiss, Kem, Kevin Atwater, Paramore, Shawn Mendes, and The Kid LAROI.

Why? That is the question! Also, it’s the keyword for the playlist at hand, 15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY. Truthfully, there are 16 songs on this playlist – that adorable heartthrob Shawn Mendes gives us two songs filled with W-H-Y. So, what’s the sole requirement for songs appearing on this list? They must feature the word Why in their title. 15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY features songs by Jadakiss, Kem, Kevin Atwater, Paramore, Shawn Mendes, and The Kid LAROI. So, without further ado, there is no need for more questions! Let’s dive into the WHY of this engaging playlist!

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1. Shawn Mendes, Why Why Why / Why

2. Paramore, “This is Why”

3. Big Sean, “Why Would I Stop?”

4. Kevin Atwater, “why did you invite me to your wedding”

5. The Kid Laroi, “Tell Me Why”

6. Leon Bridges, “Why Don’t You Touch Me”

7. The Strokes, “Why Are Sundays So Depressing”

8. Taylor Swift, “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things”

9. Arctic Monkeys, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

10. John Mayer, “Why You No Love Me”

11. Kem, “Why Would You Stay”

12. Jadakiss, “Why” (Ft. Anthony Hamilton)

13. Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”

14. The Gap Band, “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”

15. Andraé Crouch, “I Don’t Know Why”

1. Shawn Mendes, Why Why Why / Why

Shawn **// Island // 2024; Shawn Mendes // Island // 2018**

“Opened up my journal to a page / Everything that hurts me’s still the same / Feels like there’s nothin’ new for me to say / Why, why, why?” The handsome and talented, Grammy-nominated Canadian singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes returned in 2024 with his fifth studio album, Shawn. He ‘brought down the house’ with the promo single, “Why Why Why”, penned and produced by Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Mike Sabath, and Scott Harris. Mendes excels in the vocal department, as always. His tone is ‘simply beautiful.’ He sings authentically and expressively making some personal revelations. He discusses breaking off a relationship (“But I went off and chose myself instead”), taking a hiatus from touring (“All the lights were fuckin’ with my head”), and not being ready for fatherhood (“I thought I was about to be a father / Shook me to the core, I’m still a kid”). Even as Shawn reignites his music career after a breakup and mental health issues, he still questions, why, why, why? “Why Why Why” is respectable and well-rounded. It’s authentic, rhythmic, and tuneful. Stylistically, it plays to Mendes’ strengths and throws a cool country element into the mix. It’s not a dramatic change of pace for Shawn, but what’s clear is he remains a gifted vocalist (and easy on the eyes).

“I pretend that / I’m not ready / Why do we put eat other through hell? / Why can’t we just get over ourselves? / And you say ‘hi’ like / You just met me.” Six years before unveiling “Why Why Why”, Mendes released “Why”. “Why” is one of the biggest surprises and triumphs of his 2018 album, Shawn Mendes. Mendes gives one of the truly elite vocal performances of the LP showing off his gorgeous tone – can you say chills? The chorus is simply stunning, filled with reflective questions about the relationship. Beyond the excellence of the lead vocals and love as a focal point, “Why” is a production showcase. This includes background vocals accentuating the lead, as well as the addition of vocal effects for a cool change of pace. Throughout “Why,” there are some awesome, thoughtful touches.

Appears in 🔻:

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2. Paramore, “This is Why”

This Is Why // Atlantic // 2023

“This is why I don’t leave the house / You say the coast is clear / But you won’t catch me out / Oh, why? / This is why.” Hayley Williams sounds awesome – locked in from start to finish – on “This Is Why”, the lead single, and opening track from This Is Why. Beyond her fine vocal performance, her fellow Paramore members are on point too. Zac Farro sounds great on drums, anchoring things down with some sick grooves. Taylor York shines on guitar. Their guest bassist rocks out, providing a fat foundation. Beyond the excellent performance by all parties, what does “This is Why” entail lyrically and thematically? It encompasses protecting one’s mental health, especially from hateful, insensitive, and opinionated folks, whom Williams considers to be toxic. She warns of the toxicity and how it can affect her. It’s best exemplified in the chorus, though the bridge is another masterful illustration: “One step beyond your door / It might as well have been a free fall / …One step beyond your door / And I’m floating like a cannonball.” Despite the toxicity of some people in the world, there’s nothing toxic about “This Is Why”.

Appears in 🔻:

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3. Big Sean, “Why Would I Stop?”

Detroit 2 // Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam // 2020

“This shit the antidote, this the cure cancer flow / Stop a pandemic and the globe / The product of old ‘Ye chopping up the sample flow / Dilla and Pimp C, the triller.” WOO! Grammy-nominated rapper Big Sean kicked off his 2020 album, Detroit 2 with a BANG. BANG is as in BANGER! “Why Would I Stop?” is brief at just two-and-a-half minutes. Regardless, the rapper is ‘on’ and oozes with confidence. “Running shit, five K, three K, André (Run it, run it, run it),” he spits in the second verse, adding, “Hero in my hood, when they dress like me, that’s cosplay.” Backed by a dramatic backdrop courtesy of Rogét Chahayed and Hit-Boy, Sean Don is potent to the nth degree and quite believable as he asks in the chorus, “And they want me to stop but why would I stop? / Huh? I am unstoppable.”

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4. Kevin Atwater, “why did you invite me to your wedding”

“why did you invite me to your wedding” // Kevin Atwater // 2023

“I got your message last night around 1:00 / You’re getting married, and you want me to come.” Kevin Atwater continues, “You miss me a lot and the wedding’s next month / I think you were drunk, you spelled ‘wedding’ wrong / I used to break wishbones and pray that you liked me.” Misspelling wedding is questionable. Still, the more telling lyric is the latter. In “why did you invite me to your wedding”, there is a bond between Kevin (or his character) and this man who is now getting married. The bond seemed to transcend friendship, at least from Kevin’s perspective. Still, a 1:00 am text from a soon-to-be groom whom we presume is marrying a woman (he paints his crush as a jock)? Sounds gay, or at least, there was something there…

The point is that this reconnection has Kevin in his feelings. He penned a relatable song that captures the plight of gay romance. Did he crush on a ‘straight’ guy, hoping there was a chance? That is the question. Atwater has feelings for someone who may or may not reciprocate those feelings in the way he’d hoped – boyfriend and boyfriend. The second verse recalls an incident that speaks to the fact that maybe, the groom-to-be wasn’t so straight…???

“…Caught in the moment

I kissed you and then you got quiet

You could’ve hurt me, it would’ve been easy

… But you took my hand and asked me to dance

To nothing and never brought it up again.”

His friend is one of the nice boys – marriage material. He also could be… you know… In the final chorus, things are confused. Kevin has questions, notes how things have changed, and knows he’d mess things up for his friend/crush and bride-to-be. As much as “I wanna call you with a hand in my pants,” rightfully, Atwater closes the chapter without closing it: “I’ll never know why / Cause I’ll never reply / So you can just stay nice / In the back of my mind.” Atwater drops an honest, thought-provoking gem with “why did you invite me to your wedding”. Atwater sounds radiant, backed by warm, dreamy-sounding production (Hazey Eyes).

Appears in 🔻:

Kevin Atwater, why did you invite me to your wedding: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 51 (2024)

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5. The Kid Laroi, “Tell Me Why”

***FCK LOVE 3: OVER YOU // Columbia // 2021**

“Tell me why, tell me why, it’s so hard to say goodbye.” On “Tell Me Why,” a highlight from the expanded mixtape, F*CK LOVE 3: OVER YOU, The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard) is emotional. Specifically, he reacts to the losses he’s had in his life. Filled with angst, at the end of the second verse, a highly expressive Howard asks, “Why the fuck does God keep testin’ me? / Put my heart to bed, let it rest in pieces.” It’s a very ‘emo’ line, yet it also feels and sounds authentic, whether you’re a teen or older, asking the same of The Most High. A team comprising OkTanner, Pharoah Vice, Rio Leyva, Mjnichols, and Taz Taylor produced the sleek, platinum-certified single.

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6. Leon Bridges, “Why Don’t You Touch Me”

Gold-Diggers Sound // LisaSawyer63 / Columbia // 2021

“If you’re still in love, oh, like you’re sayin’ / Then why don’t you touch me? Yeah.” Good question, Leon Bridges! The Grammy-winning R&B singer returned in 2021 with his third studio album, Gold-Diggers Sound. “Why Don’t You Touch Me” marked the third advanced single. Bridges is a fantastic vocalist. He possesses soulfulness beyond his years. The background has its share of neo-/retro-soul sensibilities. It also sounds more contemporary compared to past work. Beyond the warm, well-rounded adult contemporary R&B sounds constructed by Nate Mercereau, 9AM, and Ricky Reed, as well as marvelous vocals from Bridges, the songwriting is relatable. With the relationship slipping, yet there’s still love between the two, Bridges is rightfully concerned. The best moment is the chorus, excerpted above and continued as follows:

“…I’m dressin’ to the nines and your eyes strayin’

Oh, why don’t you touch me? Yeah

Why don’t, why don’t, why don’t? Yeah, yeah.”

“Why Don’t You Touch Me” marks another fabulous showing from Bridges.

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: June 2021

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7. The Strokes, “Why Are Sundays So Depressing”

The New Abnormal // RCA // 2020

“Like a swan, I don’t miss swimming / All my friends left, and they don’t miss me.” That is depressing, Julian Casablancas. A swan without water? Friends leaving? No Bueno! No good… or so it seems, and that’s just the first verse of “Why Are Sundays So Depressing.” This, my friends, is a song of introspection, reflection central. The guitars are prominent on the groovy, if ‘depressing’ seventh track from The New Abnormal (2020). In the context of The New Abnormal, the first album by The Strokes in seven years, “Why Are Sundays So Depressing” is more straightforward than other album tracks. Even so, it still has its fair share of colorful synth touches. Groove bodes well in The Strokes’ favor. Depressing or not, there’s no way to listen to this and not move some part of your body. Oh, and providing more insight into the lyrics, a sizable part of the depression Casablancas seems to be experiencing has to do with those pesky matters of the heart. Lines like, “I love you and I’m honest, so you know it’s no lie” and “I transition in / I’m making your body wait” provide key hints.

Appears in 🔻:

11 Superb Sunday Songs (2021)

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8. Taylor Swift, “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things”

Reputation // Big Machine // 2017

“This is why we can’t have nice things, honey / Did you think I wouldn’t hear all the things you said about me?” Picture it: 2017, the Reputation era for one ubiquitous Taylor Swift. The wordy eight-word-titled “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” ranks among the most fun records of Reputation, another Grammy-nominated album by the ever-ubiquitous pop star. The production (Swift and Jack Antonoff) is filled with swagger, as is Swift, who amps up the gimmickry. Yes, he breaks the “nice things.” But “This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” is nice, nonetheless.

“This is why we can’t have nice things, darling

Because you break them

I had to take them away

This is why we can’t have nice things, honey

Did you think I wouldn’t hear all the things you said about me?

This is why we can’t have nice things.”

Appears in 🔻:

Prepare to Feel the Kindness of These 8 ‘Nice’ Songs (2018)

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9. Arctic Monkeys, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

AM // Domino // 2013

Years before singing about an imaginary hotel and casino (Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino), British, Grammy-nominated alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys posed an important question: “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” is the ninth song on their 2013 album, AM. “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” features an awesome groove and theme. Alex Turner finds himself ‘trailing’ in the pursuance of the girl.  “Somewhere darker, talking the same shite,” he sings in verse two, adding, “I need a partner, well are you out tonight?”  Despite Turner’s lack of game, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” totally rocks. The chorus is the crowning achievement of the song itself:

“Now it’s three in the morning and I’m trying to change your mind

Left you multiple missed calls and to my message, you reply

Why’d you only call me when you’re high?”

Appears in 🔻:

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10. John Mayer, “Why You No Love Me”

Sob Rock // Columbia // 2021

“Help me understand it / Woke up empty-handed / Never heard you say goodbye…” “Why You No Love Me.” That’s a song title right there. Admittedly, it’s a silly song title. The schmaltz is pronounced on the fourth track from Sob Rock, the 2021 album by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, John Mayer. Regardless of the schmaltz, before hearing a note, you sense the direction that John is going. Like the three tracks that precede it on Sob Rock ( “Last Train Home”, “Shouldn’t Matter but It Does”, and “New Light”), he delivers the goods (grammar aside). I love the harmonic progression. The guitar is gorgeous, as are those passionate vocals by Mayer. Lyrically simple, it’s relatable, nonetheless. See the chorus:

“Why you no love me?

Why you no love me?

Why you no even care?

Why you no love me?

Why you no love me?

Why you no will be there?”

“Why You No Love Me” was written by Mayer. Don Was produced. Notably, Grammy-winning country singer/songwriter Maren Morris provides background vocals.

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11. Kem, “Why Would You Stay”

Intimacy // Motown // 2010

“There’s a light shinin’ on you / And baby, I’m tremblin’ inside / Loved a woman that I barely knew / I must’ve been outta mind.” Underrated. Kem (Kem Owens) is a class act in the adult contemporary, grown-folks R&B market. His music is refined, sophisticated, and thoughtful. Among his best songs is “Why Would You Stay”, the seventh track from his third studio album, Intimacy (2010). “Why Would You Stay” failed to reach the pop charts (he’s only charted once on the Billboard Hot 100). It did, however, impact the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at no. 17. Notably, Intimacy debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200, his best showing. It was eventually certified gold by the RIAA. Also, despite a lack of pop success for “Why Would You Stay,” he was nominated for two Grammys: Male R&B Vocal Performance and R&B Song. He penned the love song, producing alongside Rex Rideout. The verses are beautifully written while the chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece:

“Oh, I

I’ll never hurt you again

Girl, I

I know you deserve a better man

Hey, I

I was a fool to ever let you down

So why would you stay?”

Kem delivers an ultra-sincere performance. His vocals are refined – sophisticated to the nth degree. Showing off top-notch musicianship, he ups the ante instinctually, never over-singing. Ultimately, “Why Would You Stay” exemplifies adult contemporary R&B at its finest. The sound and production – keys, rhythm section, and strings – are decadent.

Appears in 🔻:

Kem, Why Would You Stay: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 70 (2024)

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12. Jadakiss, “Why” (Ft. Anthony Hamilton)

Kiss Of Death // Ruff Ryders // 2004

“Yo, why is Jadakiss as hard as it gets?” That is one of the many questions (understatement), and memorable lines from the rapper’s 2004 classic, “Why”. “Why” was a big hit on the pop charts, peaking at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Adding a lift to the highlight from his gold-certified LP, Kiss of Death, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton lends his gritty, soulful pipes in the chorus: “All that I’ve been given / It’s the pain that I’ve been livin’ / They got me in the system / Why they gotta do me like that?” Havoc stitched up a sweet backdrop for both Jada and Anthony. But “Why” earned Jadakiss controversy. Politics and a conspiracy theory referenced in “Why” drew the ire of conservatives. The offending line: “Why did [President George W.] Bush knock down the towers?” Oh, snap! According to the rapper, via Billboard, “I just felt [Bush] had something to do with that… That’s why I put it in there like that. A lot of my people felt that he had something to do with it.” In 2023, he reflected (via Hot New Hip Hop), regarding the backlash, “I was a little nervous, though. I felt people was on me, Homeland Security was like, behind me.”

The 9/11 reference is the most offensive part of the song, particularly for right-wingers. According to Complex, Bill O’Reilly also described “Why” as an atrocity, and stated, “Somebody defames a public figure, that somebody in the corporation behind the smear should be held liable.” Jadakiss asks lots of questions, many of which push the envelope. In the first verse, he references a Kobe Bryant sexual assault case: “Why did Kobe have to hit that raw? Why’d he kiss that whore?” Yikes! In another political reference in the second verse, he asks, “Why they let the Terminator win the election?” Colorfully, in the third and final verse, he asks, “Why Halle have to let a white man pop her to get a Oscar? / Why Denzel have to be crooked before he took it?” “Why” is controversial, but, there is a reason it is the biggest song of Jadakiss’ career. It’s an aughts classic. No surprise it was nominated for a Grammy (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration).

Appears in 🔻:

Jadakiss, Why: Controversial Tunes No. 3 (2024)

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13. Norah Jones, “Don’t Know Why”

Come Away With Me // Capitol // 2002

Norah Jones was ‘kind of a big deal’ in the aughts. Her 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me, exploded. Reaching no. 1 on the Billboard 200 nearly a year after its initial release, Come Away With Me would eventually become the rare diamond album, certified 12 times platinum as of 2021. Also, the album cleaned up at the 45^th Annual Grammy Awards winning five Grammys including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album. Two of those Grammys were attributed to the album’s pop hit, “Don’t Know Why” (Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance). “Don’t Know Why” spent 31 weeks on the pop charts peaking at no. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of just two entries on the pop charts from the incredibly successful artist, “Don’t Know Why” was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA.

Would Norah Jones qualify as a one-hit-wonder? Technically, yes (only one Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100). However, despite her lack of success on the Billboard Hot 100, she’s secured gold and platinum singles. What makes “Don’t Know Why” the sugar honey iced tea is her unique, one-of-a-kind voice, and the chill, cool vibes. Jesse Harris penned this stellar joint and recorded it first in 1999. However, the cover by Norah Jones earned the accolades. Jones, Arif Mardin, and Jay Newland produced. Jones radiantly brings to life lyrics regarding a relationship. “I waited ‘til I saw the sun / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I left you by the house of fun / I don’t know why I didn’t come,” she sings in the first verse. The house of fun lyric is one of my favorites, seemingly referencing intimacy. There is a lack of commitment in play. Later, she sings, “Something has to make you run / I don’t know why I didn’t come / I feel as empty as a drum.” Oh, snap! The refrain is another top-notch lyrical moment, where Jones asserts, “My heart is drenched in wine / But you’ll be on my mind forever.” A pop gem from the 2000s, had Norah Jones recorded no other songs, she’d be forever remembered for the utterly sublime “Don’t Know Why”.

Appears in 🔻:

Norah Jones, Don’t Know Why: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 69 (2024)

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14. The Gap Band, “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”

The Gap Band III // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1980

“I never, ever had a lover / Who put the pedal to the metal / And burn rubber on me, Charlie / Oh, no, no, no!”  Simply put, there are some songs you simply CAN’T resist. “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” from The Gap Band – Charlie Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, and Robert Wilson – is one such song.  It appears as the third track from the collective’s 1980 album, The Gap Band III.  Led by Charlie (the sole surviving member), The Gap Band were noted for their funkiness.  After revving the motorcycle up on the intro, the listener is treated to one of the funkiest grooves of all time. There is no way your body won’t move while partaking in this rubber burning!  In addition to the groove, the synths are electrifying, while the rhythmic identity of this joint is one of its biggest selling points.

“You took my money, you took my time / Made me think everything was fine / Then you upped and ran away / And made me just go crazy.” NOT nice, girl! It’s not only the instruments that make “Burn Rubber On Me” a celestially funky experience.  The entertaining lyrics, as well as the soulful, nuanced lead vocals by the man who delivers them, Charlie Wilson, are a vibe on their own! The robustness of his instrument is awe-inspiring – the man is a beast 💪! “Just because you’re not for real / Why you wanna hurt me, girl?” YEAH! This girl has it out for him, judging by all the stuff she does to him 😬. Tuneful melodies, ample personality, and the irresistibly, infectious chorus make “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” one of the true gems of the 1980s. It deserved a better showing than its no. 84 peak on the Billboard Hot 100, sigh.

Appears in 🔻:

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15. Andraé Crouch, “I Don’t Know Why”

Classic Gold: Best of Andrae: Andrae Crouch and the Disciples // Light // 2003

“I don’t know why Jesus loved me / I don’t know why He cared / I don’t know why He sacrificed his life / Oh, but I’m glad, so glad He did.” The late Andraé Crouch (1942 – 2015) was one of gospel music’s greatest musicians – one of the great innovators in the genre. So many songs penned by Crouch have become standard hymns of the church of various. On “I Don’t Know Why”, Crouch speaks to the great things God has done. He doesn’t understand why He did them but he’s glad that God decided to do them 👏.

The songwriting is simple. It is telling and relatable to those who subscribe to the Christian faith. Among the most memorable lyrics are “He left His mighty thrown in glory / To bring to us redemption’s story / Then He died but He rose again / Oh, but I’m glad, so glad he did.” THAT PART RIGHT THERE 🙌! “I Don’t Know Why” is nothing short of awesome. Do you know what is even more awesome? J-E-S-U-S, of course!

Appears in 🔻:

Andraé Crouch, I Don’t Know Why: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 23 (2023)

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15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Big Machine, Columbia, Def Jam, Domino, Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc., Island, Kemosabe, Kevin Atwater, Light, LisaSawyer63, Motown, RCA, Ruff Ryders, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Leonardo Goncalves wild from Pexels]

15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 9, 2024October 9, 2024