The Bible says in I Corinthians 2:9, "But it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has purposed for them that love Him."  What a wonderful verse.

Bart Millard's dad lost his battle with cancer when Bart was 19.  People would say, "Your dad is in a far better place.  He wouldn't leave heaven and come back to this earth if he was able."  God had healed Bart's relationship with his father, and the loss was painful.  He would find himself writing "I can only imagine" in his journal and other places.

Later, he was working on a project with a group he helped form, "MercyMe."  He saw the words in his journal, "I can only imagine."  Thoughts of his dad and heaven came to mind, and in less than ten minutes, he had written the song.

The name, "MercyMe," came from a response Bart's grandmother made.  Bart received Christ when he was 13.  He had an interest in music, and when he was 19, he mentioned to his grandmother that he wanted to start a band.  He laughed when he remembered her reply, "Well, mercy me, why don't you get a real job!"  In the 1990's, "MercyMe" was formed.

The words to the song are:

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.

Chorus:

Surrounded by 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 Son.

I can only imagine when all I will do is forever, forever worship You.

I can only imagine.

I can only imagine.