Lyrics Page
Don't Try So Hard
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Aug 20, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Amy Grant's song "Don't Try So Hard," featuring James Taylor, gently encourages listeners to release the pressure of striving for perfection. The lyrics speak to the exhaustion of trying to measure up and remind us that God's grace is a free gift, not something to be earned. The song reassures that we are already loved and valued by God, who gave His Son so we could believe in that love. It invites us to embrace our scars and open our hearts, resting in the truth that we are lovely just as we are.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
Another Monday comes and I just wanna breathe
'Cause it's a long, long week for someone wired to please
I keep taking my aim, pushing it higher
Wanna shine bright, even brighter now
Wish I would tell myself
Don't try so hard
God gives you grace and you can't earn it
Don't think that you're not worth it
Because you are
He gave you His love and He's not leaving
Gave you His Son so you'd believe it
You're lovely even with your scars
Don't try so hard
Do you remember how the summers felt when we were kids?
Oh, we didn't think much about it, we just lived
Taking our time, beautiful leisure
When did we start, trying to measure up
When all of this time, love has been trying to tell us
Don't try so hard
God gives you grace and you can't earn it
Don't think that you're not worth it
Because you are
He gave you His love and He's not leaving
Gave you His Son so you'd believe it
You're lovely even with your scars
Don't try so hard
Don't try so hard
Don't try so hard
God gives you grace
You can't earn it
Stop thinking you're not worth it
Because you are
He gave you His love and He's not leaving
Gave you His Son so you'd believe it
You're lovely even with your scars
Lovely the way you are
So open up your lovely heart
Don't try so hard