Lyrics
Verse 1
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 Your face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
Chorus
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
Verse 2
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
Chorus
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
Chorus
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
Outro
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
Meaning & Inspiration
"I Can Only Imagine" is built around one repeated thought: the singer cannot picture what it will be like to stand in God's presence, so the verses ask a series of questions instead. "Will I dance for You, Jesus" and "Will I stand in Your presence" are followed by "Or in awe of You be still" and "Or to my knees will I fall." The song never answers them, and the refrain "I can only imagine" returns after every question.
The imagery covers a full range of responses to meeting God, from dancing to silence, kneeling, singing "hallelujah," and being unable "to speak at all." The closing lines settle on a single answer, "forever worship You," which turns the wonder into an act of devotion.
That scene of kneeling and praise parallels Paul's picture of every knee bowing to Christ, the apostle's hope of seeing "face to face," and the psalmist's statement that fullness of joy is found in God's presence. The lyrics keep that picture personal and unhurried, framing heaven as a question of worship more than of place.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 2:10-11 Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 Paul speaks of seeing face to face in the life to come.
- Psalm 16:11 In God's presence there is fullness of joy.