I Can Only Imagine Lyrics: Meaning & Story Behind The Song
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the soul-stirring lyrics of MercyMe's iconic hit, "I Can Only Imagine." This song isn't just a melody; it's a journey, a powerful exploration of faith, hope, and the awe-inspiring vision of standing before the Divine. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering this incredible song, let's unpack the meaning and emotion woven into each verse and chorus.
The Story Behind the Song
Before we jump into the lyrics themselves, it's essential to understand the deeply personal story behind "I Can Only Imagine." The song was penned by Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, and it's a reflection on his relationship with his father. Millard's father was, by his own admission, a difficult man throughout his childhood. However, towards the end of his life, he experienced a profound transformation through faith. This change had a monumental impact on Millard, leading him to contemplate what it would be like to finally be in the presence of God, reunited with his father in a perfect, heavenly realm. This contemplation birthed the poignant and relatable questions that form the heart of the song.
Dissecting the Lyrics: A Verse-by-Verse Exploration
Let's break down the lyrics of "I Can Only Imagine" and explore the powerful imagery they evoke. We'll go verse by verse, unpacking the emotional weight and spiritual yearning embedded in Millard's words.
Verse 1: The Initial Wonder
The song opens with a series of questions that immediately transport us to the heart of the matter:
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
These lines are simple yet profound. They capture the pure, unadulterated wonder of encountering God face-to-face. The repetition of "I can only imagine" emphasizes the limitations of human comprehension when grappling with the divine. We can intellectually understand the concept of heaven, but truly grasping its reality is beyond our earthly capabilities. Millard's words resonate because they articulate a universal longing to bridge this gap, to glimpse the unimaginable glory that awaits believers.
The emphasis here is on the personal encounter with the Divine. It's not just about being in heaven, but about walking by His side and seeing His face. This intimate portrayal fosters a sense of closeness and connection, moving away from a distant, abstract notion of God to a deeply personal relationship.
The use of "eyes" is also significant. Sight is often considered the most powerful of the senses, and the idea of seeing God's face suggests a complete and unfiltered revelation. It speaks to a moment of ultimate clarity and understanding, where all doubts and uncertainties fade away in the light of His presence.
Verse 2: Overwhelmed by Glory
The second verse delves further into the emotional response to this divine encounter:
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
This verse is a powerful exploration of the overwhelming emotions that would flood the soul in the presence of God's glory. The questions posed here are raw, honest, and deeply human. Millard captures the spectrum of possible reactions, from exuberant joy and dancing to quiet reverence and speechless awe.
The question, "Will I dance for You, Jesus, or in awe of You be still?" encapsulates the central tension between outward expression and inward contemplation. It acknowledges that there is no single "right" way to respond to such a profound experience. Some may be moved to unrestrained celebration, while others may find themselves humbled into silence.
The image of falling to one's knees is a common expression of submission and reverence in religious contexts. It symbolizes a recognition of God's ultimate authority and power. The question, "Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?" highlights the potential inadequacy of human language to fully express the magnitude of the moment. The sheer weight of divine glory might render us speechless, leaving only the heartfelt cry of "Hallelujah!" as a sufficient response.
Chorus: A Glimpse of Heaven
The chorus serves as the emotional centerpiece of the song, providing a vivid glimpse into the wonders of heaven:
I can only imagine I can only imagine When that day comes and I find myself Standing in the sun I can only imagine When all I will do is forever Forever worship You I can only imagine
The repetition of "I can only imagine" reinforces the central theme of the song: the inability to fully comprehend the reality of heaven. It's a humbling admission of our human limitations in the face of the divine. However, within this limitation lies a sense of hope and anticipation.
The image of "standing in the sun" is a powerful metaphor for the radiant glory of God's presence. The sun is a source of light and warmth, and in this context, it represents the illuminating and life-giving nature of God's love. The line "When all I will do is forever, forever worship You" speaks to the eternal nature of heaven and the unending praise that will be offered to God.
The chorus is both a statement of longing and a declaration of faith. It acknowledges the mystery of heaven while simultaneously affirming the belief that it is a place of eternal worship and communion with God.
Verse 3: Surrounded by Loved Ones
The third verse introduces another layer of emotional depth, focusing on the reunion with loved ones in heaven:
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
(Note: This verse is identical to Verse 2 in most versions of the song. However, it's worth noting that some versions include a slight variation that speaks more directly to the theme of reunion with loved ones.)
Even though the lyrics are the same as Verse 2, the emotional context shifts slightly. The contemplation of heaven now includes the joyful anticipation of being reunited with family and friends who have passed on. This adds a deeply personal and relatable dimension to the song, as it speaks to the universal human desire for connection and belonging.
The thought of seeing loved ones again in a perfect, heavenly setting provides comfort and hope, especially for those who have experienced loss. It reinforces the idea that heaven is not just a place of worship, but also a place of restoration and reunion. It also shows that even at the end, Millard is still struck with the question of how he's going to react in this situation. That genuine emotion is what makes this song special to so many.
Bridge: The Depth of Gratitude
The bridge of the song often features a musical and lyrical shift, providing a moment of reflection and introspection:
I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine
This section reinforces the theme of eternal worship introduced in the chorus. It's a powerful declaration of devotion and a recognition of God's worthiness of endless praise. The repetition of "forever" emphasizes the unending nature of this worship, highlighting the eternal significance of the relationship between believers and God.
