Annie Lennox : 100 BEAUTIFUL SONGS
Why – When Annie embarked on her solo career in 1992, it was “Why” that provided the first glimpse of what she could do without Dave Stewart. The public embraced this “new Annie,” perhaps a more feminine version than had been seen through Eurythmics’ more gender-bending roles. If the image was seen as somewhat softer, the songs were equally sharp and intense as her chart-topping songs with Dave. “Why” set a new standard for the modern pop song. It was a worldwide hit (top charting position was No. 1 in Italy). It was her first solo single from her first solo album, and it’s first in our fan-voted poll. Annie may have concluded “Why” by lamenting, “I don’t think you know how I feel.” In this instance, fans do know this – “Why” is the top choice, overall, and for that there is no question as to why.
Top 15 voters
| Alexander Barton | 1 |
| Cameron Carr | 1 |
| Eddie Davis | 1 |
| Fabio Milani | 1 |
| Kyle Barber | 1 |
| Mark Page | 1 |
| Wolfgang Nomi | 1 |
| Ben Rawson-Jones | 2 |
| Clem Stambaugh | 2 |
| Grace Gomez | 2 |
| John DesJardins | 2 |
| Michele A. Plaga | 2 |
| Rob Dziubek | 2 |
| Yann Jouvet | 2 |
| Alfredo Ramos | 3 |
how many times do i have to try to tell you
that I’m sorry for the things i’ve done
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 tell 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 it 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
I’ve been asked to write some lines about why I chose “Why” as my #1 place. It might seem trite or expected, seeing as it’s Annie’s first solo single, one of her most recognizable hits, and the song which propelled her into the spotlight by herself for the first time without Dave.
But this song runs deep for me. As with the rest of you, I’ve heard this song performed a multitude of times, from Arista’s 25th, to the AMAs, peacetour, countless television shows (including Intimate and Interactive here in Toronto), her solo tours, and the majestic and beautiful video, produced by Sophie Muller, our own personal muse. It’s always been a favourite of mine, and I couldn’t think of another song that encapsulates my love for Annie any better than this song.
But in recent weeks, the lyrics and the somber tone of this song has taken on a new meaning for me. After a rough road (and a dark road that leads to my house), my partner of 5 years decided that our relationship was over. Here I was, 49 and alone. My therapy has always been Annie, through previous breakups, the death of my mother (Dad’s death was 1988, so it was all Eurythmics), somber times, and even joyous ones. There’s a comfort that this song gives me, it slows me down, beckoning me to listen once again, to find something new within its walls, to hear it once again for the first time. I always go back to “Why”. Maybe it’s because I haven’t found an answer to the question.
Anyway. I wish all of you the best of the season, and my sincere wishes for a 2020 that surrounds each of you with comfort and joy. Happy Birthday, Annie. Here’s to many more.
– Cameron Carr
COLLECTABLE RECORD
Well, no apologies, you are getting the whole collectors discography for Why today, every release and every promo!
| Record ID | Image | Format | Release Details | Note | Click for more info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2236 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Arista 25 Years Of Hits Format : CD Label : Arista Cat No. : 07822-14559-2 Country : The USA Promo : No | Arista 25 Years Of Hits Compilation featuring Why exclusive to Target stores |  |
| 2361 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Baby I Love You Way Format : CD Label : BMG Cat No. : Unknown Country : Taiwan Promo : Yes | 1 of 3 Taiwanese Promo CD on Record Co. Compilation | |
| 3359 NW2019-04 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : BMG Germany POP News Format : CD Label : BMG Cat No. : 78475-1 Country : Germany Promo : Yes | BMG Germany POP News Promo CD | |
| 1647 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : BMG Pop Promo CD Volume 40 - Octbober 1992 Format : CD Label : RCA Cat No. : KCDP-51113 Country : Canada Promo : Yes | 2 of 2 10 Track Promo CD of Various artists ending with Why, Little Bird, Precious and the interview. | |
| 1857 UP2020-08 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : BMG Pop Promo Volume #32 March 1992 Format : CD Label : RCA Cat No. : KCDP-7301 Country : Canada Promo : Yes | BMG Pop Promo Volume #32 March 1992 | |
| 2445 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Body Shop Voices Against Violence Format : CD Label : BMG Cat No. : 07822145012 Country : The USA Promo : Yes | Body Shop Voices Against Violence 6 track prom CD from The Body Shop | |
| 1357 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Carnival Format : CD Label : BMG Cat No. : PDTD1041 Country : Japan Promo : Yes | Carnival 18 Track Promo Compilation featuring Why | |
| 6391 NW2020-09 |  ' | 12" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Israel Bootleg Series - Why Format : 12" Single Label : None Cat No. : None Country : Israel Promo : No | 1 sided bootleg pressing | |
| 5828 NW2019-02 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Musik Zum Wohlfühlen 2/2001 CD2 Format : CD Label : Sondock Media Network Cat No. : None Country : Germany Promo : Yes | Promo CD featuring Why - Musik Zum Wohlfühlen | |
| 3646 UP2020-08 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : The Unplugged Collection - Volume One Format : CD Label : Warner Brothers Cat No. : 9 45774-2 Country : The USA Promo : Yes | Rare Unplugged Promo | |
| 5794 NW2019-02 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : TM Century Compilation Format : CD Label : TM Century Cat No. : 9205 Country : Canada Promo : Yes | TM Century | |
| 2357 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Waiting In Vain Format : CD Label : BMG Cat No. : Unknown Country : Taiwan Promo : Yes | 2 of 3 Taiwanese Promo CD on Record Co. Compilation | |
| 1064 UP2017-11 |  ' | 12" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 12" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : 990-4073 Country : Brazil Promo : Yes | Promo in unique picture sleeve | |
| 5110 NW2018-01 |  ' | 12" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 12" Single Label : DMC Cat No. : DMC 109 Country : Poland Promo : No | DMC 4 track 12" featuring Why | |
| 6444 NW2020-09 |  ' | 12" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 12" Single Label : None Cat No. : None Country : Israel Promo : No | Unofficial release Picture disc test pressing lathe cut single. | |
| 2298 UP2017-11 |  ' | 12" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 12" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PT 45318 Country : Spain Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 6413 NW2020-09 |  ' | 5½" Single Flexidisc | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 5½" Single Flexidisc Label : буд кон Cat No. : Д60 13399 Country : Russia Promo : No | Unofficial release - green flexidisc. | |
| 2021 NW2019-04 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : 0413 Country : Spain Promo : Yes | Rare Spanish Double A Side Promo | |
| 6788 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : 102.0568 Country : Brazil Promo : Yes | Promo Juke Box edition with Lisa Stansfield, Right Said Fred and Curtis Stigers | |
| 1408 UP2017-11 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : JB-7732 Country : Italy Promo : Yes | Jukebox promo with Alison Limmerick on the B Side | |
| 4263 NW2015-10 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PB-45317 Country : The UK Promo : No | Juke Box Version Cut Out Sleeve edition | |
| 0130 UP2017-11 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PB-45317 Country : The UK Promo : Yes | Rare Juke Box Promo. Black pressed Vinyl with title info pressed into Vinyl and without a label. | |
| 2068 NW2019-04 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PB-45317 Country : France Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 1059 UP2017-11 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PB-45317 Country : Germany Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 1058 UP2017-11 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PB-45317 Country : The UK Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 1629 UP2017-11 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : RCA S-0772 Country : Argentina Promo : Yes | Promo | |
| 3713 NW2019-04 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : RCA047 Country : The Philippines Promo : No | Standard release on red label | |
| 5850 NW2019-02 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : RCA047 Country : The Philippines Promo : Yes | Test pressing. Primitive is labelled as The Primitives. | |
| 6677 |  ' | 7" Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : 7" Single Label : RCA Cat No. : RX-1088 Country : Mexico Promo : Yes | Promo Release. Disco Promocional Prohibida Su Venta is printed on the labels | |
| 1068 NW2019-04 |  ' | Cassette Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : Cassette Single Label : Arista Cat No. : 07822-12419-4 Country : The USA Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 1067 NW2019-04 |  ' | Cassette Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : Cassette Single Label : RCA Cat No. : 3002374 Country : The Netherlands Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 6354 NW2020-08 |  ' | Cassette Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : Cassette Single Label : Arista Cat No. : ADC-2424 Country : The USA Promo : Yes | Promo cassette | |
| 6073 NW2019-04 |  ' | Cassette Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : Cassette Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PK-45317 Country : Australia Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 2069 NW2019-04 |  ' | Cassette Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : Cassette Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PK-45317 Country : France Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 0503 UP2017-11 |  ' | Cassette Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : Cassette Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PK-45317 Country : The UK Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 2422 UP2020-08 |  ' | CD | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Label : BMG Cat No. : Unknown Country : Taiwan Promo : Yes | 4 of 4 Taiwanese Promo CD on Record Co. Compilation | |
| 1066 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : 5764892 Country : Spain Promo : Yes | Promo | |
| 2232 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : 74321108202 Country : France Promo : No | In card sleeve | |
| 0385 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : ANNIE 1 Country : The UK Promo : Yes | 1 Track CD Promo - Normally found in the double pack promo cat No RADIO 1D | |
| 0407 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : ASCD-2419 Country : The USA Promo : Yes | 1 Track CD Promo US | |
| 1069 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : Arista Cat No. : ASCD-3232 Country : The USA Promo : Yes | Re-Release for Live in Central Park | |
| 1314 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : KCDP-51079 Country : Canada Promo : Yes | Promo With Interview | |
| 1328 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PD-45318 Country : Australia Promo : No | In card sleeve black CD | |
| 4354 NW2015-10 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PD-45318 Country : Australia Promo : No | In card Sleeve with reverse print CD so the CD is a pale green in colour. | |
| 1063 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PD-45318 Country : Germany Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 0402 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PD-45318 Country : The UK Promo : No | Standard release | |
| 1472 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PD-45320 Country : The UK Promo : Yes | Limited PVC Box Promo Stickered. Contains CD and lyric card | |
| 0472 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : PD-45320 Country : The UK Promo : No | UK CD in large PVC box. Contains CD and lyric card | |
| 0383 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : RADIO 1D Country : The UK Promo : Yes | Rare promotional double pack features Why CD (Cat No = WHY) and Interview CD (ANNIE 1). Great foldout sleeve in white and purple. All questions are listed on the back cover. | |
| 0384 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single Label : RCA Cat No. : WHY Country : The UK Promo : Yes | 1 Track CD Promo - Normally found in the double pack promo cat No RADIO 1D | |
| 1065 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single 3" | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single 3" Label : RCA Cat No. : BDVP55 Country : Japan Promo : No | 3" CD in Snap Pak | |
| 1969 UP2017-11 |  ' | CD Single 3" | Artist : Annie Lennox Title : Why Format : CD Single 3" Label : RCA Cat No. : BDVP55 Country : Japan Promo : Yes | Promo 3" CD in Snap Pak | |
MEMORABILIA
A selection of adverts, press releases, a recent print signing of the waveform of Why and of course another of Brendan’s Diva Dolls!
CHART HISTORY
Click to view the chart history for Why
| Country | Chart | Position | Year End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ARIA Singles Chart | 17 | |
| Austria | Singles Chart | 11 | |
| Canada | Singles Chart | 7 | |
| Germany | Singles Chart | 12 | |
| Ireland | Singles Chart | 5 | |
| Italy | Singles Chart | 1 | |
| The Netherlands | Singles Chart | 6 | |
| Norway | Singles Chart | 6 | |
| Sweden | Singles Chart | 10 | |
| Switzerland | Singles Chart | 6 | |
| The UK | Singles Chart | 5 | |
| The USA | Billboard US Hot 100 | 34 | |
| The USA | Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart | 6 |
AUDIO
Annie's Commentary on Why
Latest From THE WORLD OF
Eurythmics and DAVE STEWART AND ANNIE LENNOX
Annie Lennox performed at The Hollywood Bowl last night with Brandi Carlile where she sang Why, Love Is A Stranger, No More I Love You’s and Ladies Of The Canyon
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Annie Lennox’s Iconic Memorabilia on Display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum
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Now That’s What I Call Music continue their campaign with another 2 new albums both featuring the Eurythmics single There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)
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