Leanna Crawford, an up-and-coming pop artist, has caught the attention of many with her unique sound. GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning contemporary artist Matthew West recognized her talent and began working with her to develop her skills further. She became the first female artist to be signed to Matthew’s music label, Story House Collective.
The artist's most successful album is her self-titled EP, released in 2020. It features popular tracks such as "Truth I'm Standing On," "Photoshop," and "Mean Girls," all of which have been included in my Behind The Song devotional series. Leanna has recently released singles “Make It Through,” “Before I Knew Jesus,” and “How Can You Not.”
My wife and I happily married for 29 years and have three young daughters. Leanna's music has brought my family a lot of joy and encouragement. Her music lifts the spirit, and her solid and distinct voice is a delight. Her music is upbeat and catchy, making her one of the top female vocalists in Christian music. She is also an excellent role model for young girls.
Her latest album is a perfect remedy for anyone struggling with fear or self-doubt. Leanna's singing talent shines through in every song, and the well-produced musical arrangements complement her lyrics beautifully. You can feel her voice's warmth and positive energy when listening to her music.
Leanna Crawford's music has drawn comparisons to contemporaries such as Colbie Caillat and Britt Nicole. Her songs reflect the confidence and passion of a seasoned artist. Her songwriting style is honest, positive, and vulnerable, and her upbeat music is a great way to celebrate our freedom in Christ.
Leanna serves as an excellent role model for young girls, and her biblically inspired lyrics resonate with my daughters, demonstrating that true happiness and identity come from a relationship with God. I had the opportunity to speak with Leanna about her single "Simple.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
Listening to my single “Simple,” I hope you can take a breath and be reminded of God's incredible yet simple promise over you. He loves you; He loves you; He loves you.
After a long day of filming two other music videos, “Before I Knew Jesus” and “How Can You Not,” we wrapped up filming for this music video at around two in the morning. The crew was fantastic, and when I thought of what the music video for this song should look like, a campfire setting seemed ideal.
Campfires have a special place in my heart, and I wanted the video to be simple yet effective. I hope that watching this music video will remind you that no matter how far away you feel, you are never too far gone with God.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV): "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
Philippians 1:21 (NIV): "For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Romans 12:2 (VOICE): "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete."
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV): "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
What is the takeaway message?
I didn’t write this song as a radio single. As an artist, I want to write about where God is leading me. Sometimes, a song is just for me, and sometimes, it allows me to live in a bigger light. I’m trying to get to a place where I’m less worried about the big, catchy melody and more about how the song's message speaks to my heart.
“Simple” is how God accepts and shows He cares about us. The Gospel message is simple: “No such thing as going too far with God, nothing you can do to earn your spot, nowhere you can go where He is not.” God held me in tough and wonderful seasons—especially in the past few years. I hope my words bring love and encouragement to their hearts.
Lyrics
Take a breath The camera’s off You don’t have to hide the fact We’re all messed up
I know you think One more bad move And God will finally Wash his hands of you
Ohhhh, Ohhh, Ohhhh hold on That couldn’t be more wrong
No such thing as gone too far with God Nothing you can do to earn your spot Nowhere you can go where He is not I know it all sounds unbelievable But believe me, it’s that simple
The devil lies And twists the truth He’s working hard to make you think It’s all on you
So, you play the part Till you’re exhausted When you fall, he’s there To tell you that you lost it
Ohhhh, Ohhh, Ohhhh hold on That couldn’t be more wrong
No such thing as gone too far with God Nothing you can do to earn your spot Nowhere you can go where He is not I know it all sounds unbelievable (But believe me, it’s our only hope) And it really is that simple
Take a breath The camera’s off You don’t have to hide the fact We’re all messed up
Closing Thoughts
Living for today while being uncertain about what tomorrow holds can be overwhelming. In this busy world, we often search for a sense of purpose. But we can find comfort in Philippians 3:8, which states, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."
I have spent time reflecting on and singing this song to God, which always comforts me. One of my daily devotionals in trying to grow in my walk with Jesus is to sing at least one praise song to Him daily. So, spend time with Him. Try praying and singing along with this song of adoration. Read your Bible every day. God wants us to have that reminder not to be afraid. The cost of discipleship is to make Him the Lord of our lives.
Every day, we face choices about how to spend our time, pursue wealth, and find meaning in our lives while also grappling with loneliness and uncertainty about the future. God speaks to us in different ways, and I find myself closest to Him in prayer and reflection, especially with songs of praise and adoration like “Simple.”
When you abide in His grace, you won’t be the same. His grace takes away anxiety, guilt, and shame. Know that being His is enough. As the song goes, no matter what season you are going through or how you are feeling, you can know with all your heart, “I know you think/One more bad move /And God will finally/Wash His hands of you/hold on/That couldn’t be more wrong.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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