Leanna Crawford - Work in Progress Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
It ain't easy to put imperfect on a page
And yet there's things I need to change
To say what I'm about to say
I've got issues, I'm anything but figured out
And, oh, I feel much better now
That I just said those words out loud
Chorus
I'm a work in progress
I'm a not quite there yet
A little rough around the edges
Yeah, it's true
A long way from perfect
As long as He's still working
I'm a work in progress
So, don't give up on me yet
Verse 2
This world don't need
Another hide the messes highlight reel
I'd rather be a mess if it means I'm real
They gotta see the broken to see the God who heals
Chorus
Tag
(Ooh, woah, oh, oh)
(Ooh, woah, oh, oh)
(Ooh, woah, oh)
Don't give up on me yet
Yeah (Ooh, woah, oh, oh)
Yeah (Ooh, woah, oh, oh)
Yeah (Ooh, woah, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Bridge
I'm a work in progress, yeah (Yeah, yeah)
I'm a not quite there yet, but it's okay
Chorus
Tag
Ending
So, don't give up on me yet
(I'm a work in progress) (Ooh, woah, oh, oh)
(I'm a work in progress) (Ooh, woah, oh, oh)
(I'm a work in progress) (Ooh, woah, oh, oh, oh, oh)
Video
Leanna Crawford - Work in Progress (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Leanna Crawford's song "Work in Progress," released as a Lyric Video on March 23, 2019, steps into the quiet, sometimes uncomfortable space of feeling unfinished. Right from its release, the track resonated with many who struggle with their imperfections, their stumbles, and the gap between who they are and who they feel they should be. The song isn't about a singular event, but rather the universal experience of navigating life's journey while acknowledging flaws and failures. It speaks to the vulnerability required to admit you don't have it all together, countering the pressure to appear polished and perfect.
At its heart, the song articulates a deep-seated tension: the internal critique that says you're not good enough, set against the hopeful truth that growth and transformation are possible. It captures the feeling of being under construction, walls half-built, plans changing, a constant state of becoming. This narrative is particularly poignant because it reflects a core human struggle – accepting our limitations while still striving for something better. It acknowledges the moments of doubt and frustration that arise when the path feels long and the destination seems distant.
Musically, the song supports this message beautifully. It often begins with a sense of tentative honesty, perhaps a simpler arrangement that mirrors the feeling of vulnerability. As the song progresses, the melody and instrumentation tend to build, reflecting a growing sense of hope and trust. This musical journey from quiet confession to more confident affirmation mirrors the spiritual journey of moving from self-reliance and frustration to leaning into God's grace and power. The vocals convey sincerity and a relatable rawness, making the message feel personal and accessible to anyone wrestling with feelings of inadequacy. It’s a song that gives voice to the internal monologue many of us have but rarely express openly.
This theme of being a "work in progress" is profoundly scriptural. It calls to mind the promise found in Philippians 1:6, which assures us that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse directly echoes the song's message that our spiritual formation is not static; it is an ongoing process initiated and sustained by God Himself. We are not expected to arrive instantly perfect, but rather to submit to His refining process. Just as a potter shapes clay on the wheel, as described in Jeremiah 18:1-6 or Isaiah 64:8 ("But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand"), God is continually molding and shaping us according to His design. The song acknowledges the often uncomfortable reality of being clay – sometimes resistant, sometimes broken – yet affirms the Potter's unwavering skill and purpose.
Furthermore, the concept aligns with the New Testament understanding of sanctification, the process by which believers are transformed into the likeness of Christ. While our justification is instantaneous through faith, our sanctification is a lifelong journey. Paul speaks to this in 2 Corinthians 3:18, noting that we are "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." This transformation implies movement, growth, and an unfinished state until we reach full glorification. The song provides a soundtrack to this very real experience, validating the struggles inherent in change while anchoring hope in God's active presence. It encourages us to embrace the process, trusting that even our imperfections and mistakes are part of the landscape God is working within, ultimately fulfilling His purposes, as Romans 8:28-30 suggests, in conforming us to the image of His Son. Leanna Crawford's song serves as a powerful reminder that it is okay not to be "finished"; our identity and hope are secured not in our current state of perfection, but in the perfect work God is continuously doing within us.