Why (Annie Lennox song)

"Why"
Single by Annie Lennox
from the album Diva
B-side"Primitive"
Released16 March 1992 (1992-03-16)
Studio
Genre
Length4:53
Label
Songwriter(s)Annie Lennox
Producer(s)Stephen Lipson
Annie Lennox singles chronology
"Put a Little Love in Your Heart"
(1988)
"Why"
(1992)
"Precious"
(1992)
Music video
"Why?" on YouTube

"Why" is the debut solo single from Scottish singer-songwriter Annie Lennox, released on 16 March 1992 as the lead single from her debut solo album Diva (1992). Written by Lennox and produced by Stephen Lipson, it has since become considered as a signature song for Lennox, and has been credited for its emotional songwriting technique.

Despite being considered a "risky choice" to launch her solo career, the song achieved considerable commercial success in international territories, including in the United Kingdom where it peaked at number five on the singles charts, and in the United States where it reached number thirty-four on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached number six on the Adult Contemporary chart. Additionally, "Why" reached number one on the singles charts in Italy following its release. Its accompanying music video was directed by Sophie Muller.

It won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1993, and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video at the 1992 ceremony. The song has since endured a considerable legacy since its initial release, with Stereogum ranking "Why" number one on their list of "The 10 Best Annie Lennox Songs" in 2015.