I Can Only Imagine

Album: Almost There (2001)
Charted: 71
Play Video
  • 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
    Yeah

    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
    And I find myself standing in the sun
    I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
    Forever worship You
    I can only imagine, yeah
    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, yeah
    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, yeah
    I can only imagine

    I can only imagine, yeah
    I can only imagine

    I can only imagine
    I can only imagine

    I can only imagine when all I would do
    Is forever, forever worship You
    I can only imagine Writer/s: Bart Marshall Millard
    Publisher: ESSENTIAL MUSIC PUBLISHING
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 19

  • Michelle from Anoka, MnWe lost our son Jonathan 3/14/25 by suicide.
    Your song "I only can imagine" came on the air couple weeks ago.
    It was like Jesus was speaking to me at that moment.
    Hearing your song gives me great comfort throughout the day and night, believing my son has best home with Jesus. Amen and amen.
    I believe that 100%
    Thank you for the writing your song.
    God has given you a special gift to share to your listeners. You're blessed.
  • Tanner from CaliforniaDo you guys know if there is any alliteration in this song
  • Luz from TexasThe beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord. Although I love him with all my mind, body & soul and remain grateful for giving me life and sustaining me, forgiving my sins, and giving me undeserved mercy...I fear the day I will meet him. According to scripture in both The Old Covenant & New Covenant, the day of the Lord will be darkness, not light - Amos 5:18, 20.
    The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night - 2 Peter 3:10. We must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God - Acts 14:22.

    Joel 2:1-2
    Lamentations 3:2
    Job 30:26
    Isaiah 13:6-10
    Revelations 2:10
    Matthew 5:18

    I can only imagine when I enter his presence I will fall to my knees & give him praise -Romans 14:11
  • Judy from UsThis song is a very important part of my healing, from both childhood & marital abuse which lasted for over 50 years of my life. It helped me deal with all the pain, losses & bad memories I had stuffed down without realizing it. It also helped me to find a place of forgiveness for everyone.

    I did not have the opportunity to see the movie until Jan 2022, & I was moved to tears & then to the joy of gratitude to Christ Jesus for lifting the weight of abuse off me.

    I believe that, by stepping back, Amy Grant allowed the real purpose & instrument of His grace to be the focus. Had she not done that, I don't think it would have seen the success it has.

    I was really blessed in having the opportunity to see it now, free, as I could not see it in theaters in 2018 when it was released. I consider this song an important part of my testimony, as others have written here. I pray it continues to bring people the vision of the redemptive power of the cross, of forgiveness, and of the power of God to transform even the darkest hearts.

    Thank you to Bart, to Mercy Me, and to all those who played a part in bringing the song to so many people. I am still a huge fan, as are all my adult children, & now, 10 grandchildren. May God continue to bless as people find the song, and in it's authenticity, find a message that helps them to find Christ.
  • Tony from UsaThis song is like my testimony. When I sing this song I sing with so much passion.
  • Carrie from TexasI too hear something in the background towards the end of the song. Doesn’t sound like “I’ll be back” though. I counted four syllables...
  • Anita Owens from Jefferson,gaAs a Christian . I have always loved the gospel hymns. But, when I heard and when I hear this song. I cannot explain the feeling I have inside. It’s like a feeling of melancholy. My goodness how true this song is. What’s funny is I’m 54 years old and I took Jesus Christ into my heart and as my savior when I was 11 years old . To this day I very frequently think about what am I going to say to Jesus? How will he look? Beautiful of course. I have a lot of serious health issues. I think to myself. What a joyous day it’s going to be when I’m no longer, sick and no longer in pain. The gentleman that wrote this song is truly an angel sent from heaven. This song has really touched my life and I thank Mr. Bart for sharing this awesome song.
  • Mimi from WashingtonI hear a voice in the background too. But I can't make out what it says.
  • Heidi Rictor from Californiawho else hears, "I'll be back" whispered in the background towards the end of the song?
  • Anonymouswho else hears, "I'll be back" whispered in the background towards the end of the song?
  • Kat from Holland UsaThis gives me so much Peace, Comfort
    When I Lost my Mother auto accident.
    She was the greatest example of Grace,Love, Do for others
    God 1st, Others 2nd, &Self Last
  • Sierra from KansasWonderful song! Has really stuck out to me.
  • Kaylee from AmericaI don't cry a lot because of my depression, but this song got me on the edge of crying. This song is truly amazing,and so is the movie. My school is doing something we like to call "fine arts." I am planning on doing a solo of this in front of about 200 players. I will have a piano player doing the back round music,but it's still nerve racking. But I know that God will be by my side encouraging me. I hope you all have an amazing and wonderful day. God bless you all. ^_^
  • Scott from Jackson, AkI can't wiat to meet Jesus. We all need to spread God's word to all people who don't know him.
  • Emily from Around Chicago, IlExactly, Rhianna. That's it. Besides, isn't that what purgatory is for? It says in the Bible that there is a state of purification before we go into heaven. Maybe that also includes being prepared to meet God and Jesus. Me being only 13, that sounds like a lot, but you hit the nail on the head. I just had to say something.
  • John from Pelion, ScIt was this song that helped me get through when of all of my Grandparents died within a five year period.
  • Kamla from Buffalo, NyIt always amazed me that this song was such a popular secular song. In a world where we are constantly taking Him out of everything, we get teary eyed over a song that has the words "I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship You." Ridiculous.
  • Rhianna from Badonkadonkville, OhDeffinately. It's impossible to know what its going to be like. But i don't think that it'll be as awkward as many people think. I think once we see Him, we'll automatically know what to do upon being in his presence.
  • Scott from Kings Park, NyGreat lyrics, and music. Makes you wonder what it would be like meeting Jesus
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