The Story Behind Mercy Me’s “I Can Only Imagine”
By Bart Millard
Christianity.com Music Channel –
When my father died of cancer in 1991, he left me with the assurance that he was headed to a better place. He used to always tell me that I was getting the raw end of the deal because I had to stick around here. For several years following his death, I would find myself writing the phrase, I can only imagine, on anything I could find. That simple phrase would give me a peace and a hope thinking about what my dad was finally experiencing. Years later, in 1999, MercyMe was writing songs for an independent project. I remember coming home from a show and being wide awake on our bus at 2 o’clock in the morning. I was trying to write lyrics in an old notebook of mine, when all of a sudden, I stumbled across that phrase. About ten minutes later, the song was written. Some people say it’s amazing that it was written in ten minutes, when really it had been on my heart for almost ten years.
I Can Only Imagine
Words and Music: Bart Millard
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.
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!
I can only imagine, when that day comes,
When I find myself standing in the Son.
I can only imagine, when all I will do,
Is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Chorus
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
Chorus
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!
I can only imagine!
I can only imagine!
I can only imagine!
I can only imagine!
I can only imagine,
When all I will do is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine!
