MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine Lyrics
Lyrics
I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When you face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by You glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine hey ya ah
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine hey ya ah
I can only imagine yeah yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine ey ey ey
I can only imagine
I can only imagine when all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine
Video
MercyMe - "I Can Only Imagine" Official Music Video
Meaning & Inspiration
The impactful song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe received a prominent inclusion on their 2007 album, *All That Is Within Me (Deluxe Version)*, released on November 20, 2007, solidifying its place in the landscape of Christian music long after its initial groundbreaking release. This song is a profound meditation on eternity, born from a deeply personal space for MercyMe's lead singer, Bart Millard. The inspiration for the track stems from the transformation of his father, Arthur Millard, who, despite a difficult early life, found unwavering faith before his passing. This personal journey ignited Bart's contemplation of what it truly means to step into the immediate presence of God, culminating in a song that resonates with universal spiritual curiosity and hope.
At its core, "I Can Only Imagine" explores the inexpressible wonder of encountering the Creator face-to-face. The repeated phrase "I can only imagine" isn't an admission of doubt, but rather a humble acknowledgment of human limitations when trying to conceive of divine glory. This sentiment echoes the timeless scriptural truth found in 1 Corinthians 2:9, which declares, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." The song's opening lines, envisioning walking "by your side" and seeing God's "face before me," paint a picture of intimate communion that every believer yearns for. This direct interaction mirrors the promise in Revelation 22:4, where it states, "They will see his face," signifying a perfect, unhindered relationship with the Divine, free from the veil of earthly existence.
The song then dives into a series of deeply personal, yet universally shared, questions about the nature of this heavenly encounter: "Surrounded by Your glory / What will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus / Or in awe of You be still?" This exploration highlights the sheer overwhelming nature of God's presence. Scriptural accounts of encounters with God or His angels often describe responses ranging from exuberant praise to utter stillness and prostration. Psalm 149:3 encourages us to "praise his name with dancing," yet moments of profound reverence, as seen in Habakkuk 2:20 ("The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him"), remind us that silence can be a powerful form of worship. The inquiry, "Will I stand in your presence / Or to my knees will I fall?" also finds parallel in biblical narratives. Figures like Daniel (Daniel 8:17) and John (Revelation 1:17) fell as though dead in the presence of heavenly beings, while Philippians 2:10-11 prophesies a day when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." This range of anticipated reactions underscores the magnificent complexity of divine holiness – a reality so grand it evokes both joyful exuberance and profound humility.
Finally, the song grapples with the capacity for verbal expression: "Will I sing hallelujah / Will I be able to speak at all?" The imagery of countless voices in heaven crying "Hallelujah!" is vividly portrayed in Revelation 19:1-6, an anthem of ultimate praise. Yet, the sheer weight of God's glory can also render one speechless, as Isaiah experienced, crying out, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips..." (Isaiah 6:5). The culmination of the song, anticipating standing "in the Son" and doing nothing but "forever worship You," unequivocally places Jesus Christ at the center of this eternal vision. This aligns perfectly with the Revelation passages describing the continuous worship of the Lamb (Revelation 5:11-13) and the everlasting service of God's people in His presence (Revelation 22:3-4). "I Can Only Imagine" thus serves as a powerful reminder of the glorious hope that awaits believers, drawing our hearts and minds to ponder the unimaginable beauty of eternal life spent in ceaseless adoration of our Savior, strengthening our faith and stirring a deep longing for that promised day.