[Verse 1: Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples]
Oh oh
Hmm hmm
I often wonder what I'm doin' here
There must be a reason but it's not always clear
Why was I born, what's my purpose in life? (Mmm)
There is an answer to my question why
Well, well, well

[Chorus 1: Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples]
I wonder why we can't love and be free
Let everyone be all that they wanna be
Judge not lest you be judge, let heaven decide
Still we don't do it, oh, I wonder why

[Verse 2: Mavis Staples, Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples]
I know I'm not perfect but nobody is
There's things more important that are topping my list
Acceptance and kindness and doin' what's right
We would if we could, whoa, why don't we try

[Chorus 1: Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples, Dolly Parton]
I wonder why we can't just love and be free
Let everyone be all that they wanna be
Judge not lest we be judge, let heaven decide
Still we don't do it, I wonder why
[Chorus 2: Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples]
I wonder why we can't just speak out and say
I see you my brother and I love you that way
Just be as you are with purpose and pride
'Cause God loves us all and I bet he wonders why

[Verse 3: Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples]
We can't love one another and know where we are
Why we are blinded from seeing that far (Ah hah)
Let's light the fire, spread love with the light
We're walkin' in darkness, no good reason why

[Chorus 3: Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples]
I wonder why we can't just let them be free
Let everyone be all that they wanna be
My brothers, my sisters, come walk by my side
Oh I will if you will, oh why don't we try

[Outro: Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton & Mavis Staples]
You know love is the answer to my question why
Still we don't do it and I wonder why