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MercyMe
About I Can Only Imagine
"I Can Only Imagine" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written and composed by lead singer Bart Millard, the song was originally written for the band's 1999 independent album The Worship Project before being included on their 2001 major-label debut album Almost There. The song was the last to be written for The Worship Project; in writing it, Millard drew upon his thoughts about his father's death. Lyrically, it imagines what it would be like to be before God in heaven; it opens with just a piano before building to include guitar and drums. After being released on October 12, 2001 as the second single from Almost There, "I Can Only Imagine" became a major success on Christian radio; it spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Radio & Records Christian AC chart and became the most-played Christian single of 2002. It became an unexpected mainstream hit in 2003, peaking at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart while also hitting top 40, adult top 40, and country radio. The song returned to the charts after its story was adapted into a 2018 film of the same name, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart.more »
- Year:
- 2009
- 4:08
- 20,315Views
- Playlists:
- #36
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Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
I can only imagine what it will be likeWhen I walk, by your sideI can only imagine what my eyes will seeWhen you face is before meI can only imagineI can only imagineSurrounded by You gloryWhat will my heart feelWill I dance for you JesusOr in awe of You be stillWill I stand in your presenceOr to my knees will I fallWill I sing hallelujahWill I be able to speak at allI can only imagineI can only imagineI can only imagine when that day comesWhen I find myself standing in the SonI can only imagine when all I would do is foreverForever worship YouI can only imagineI can only imagineSurrounded by Your gloryWhat will my heart feelWill I dance for You, JesusOr in awe of you be stillWill I stand in your presenceOr to my knees will I fallWill I sing hallelujahWill I be able to speak at allI can only imagineI can only imagine hey ya ahSurrounded by Your gloryWhat will my heart feelWill I dance for You, JesusOr in awe of you be stillWill I stand in Your presenceOr to my knees will I fallWill I sing hallelujahWill I be able to speak at allI can only imagineI can only imagine hey ya ahI can only imagine yeah yeahI can only imagineI can only imagine ey ey eyI can only imagineI can only imagine when all I will doIs forever, forever worship YouI can only imagine
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
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MercyMe
MercyMe is an American Christian rock band founded in Greenville, Texas. The band consists of vocalist Bart Millard, keyboardist James Bryson, percussionist Robby Shaffer, bassist Nathan Cochran and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul. more »
22 fans
Genre »
Pop
Sheet Music PDF Playlist
Written by: Bart Marshall Millard
Lyrics © ESSENTIAL MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release and Recognition* "I Can Only Imagine" was released as the lead single from MercyMe's debut studio album, "Almost There," in 2001. * It received the "Song of the Year" award at the 33rd GMA Dove Awards in 2002. |
Commercial Success* The song gained significant commercial success, selling over 2.5 million copies, making it a double platinum single by RIAA. * It peaked at Number 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart and reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. |
Origin of The Song* The lyrics were written by the band's vocalist Bart Millard. The song began as a series of notes on a yellow legal pad as he pondered what heaven would be like following his father's death. * The composition took him only 10 minutes to write, which he later described as a "gift from God." |
Religious Impact* As a Christian rock ballad, "I Can Only Imagine" has had a profound impact on listeners and has been performed at numerous Christian gatherings, church services, and memorial services. * It is known for its powerful, emotional lyrics about the Christian hope of being united with God in heaven. |
Popularity in Popular Culture* This song experienced an unusual crossover success, appealing to both Christian and secular audiences, which led to its inclusion in various popular TV shows, movies, and commercials. * It was also covered by several mainstream artists, including Amy Grant, Wynonna Judd, and Katherine Jenkins. |
Turned Movie* The song's backstory was made into a major motion picture, also titled "I Can Only Imagine," released in March 2018. * In the film, actor J. Michael Finley portrayed Bart Millard and the story of his father’s transformation from abusive father to man of God. |
Impact on MercyMe's Career* "I Can Only Imagine" propelled MercyMe's career and popularity in both Christian and mainstream music. * The song continues to be the band's signature song, often closing their live performances. |
Validation of Faith* The song’s success validated to many people that Christian themes could be successful in popular music. * It helped in breaking down the barriers and creating opportunities for other Christian bands to pursue mainstream success. |
Revival in Popularity* Following the 2018 film release, the song saw a notable surge in popularity, nearly two decades after its initial release. * It reentered the Billboard Top 200 chart in April 2018, evidencing its enduring impact. |
Impact on Listeners* Many listeners claim that "I Can Only Imagine" has comforted them in times of loss or grief, while others express that it has deepened their faith. * The song has been often used as a testimonial tool by those who work in ministry. |
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