“I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe was released as a single in 2001 and appears on the Almost There album. The song’s meaning centers on picturing what it might be like to be in heaven, standing before Jesus. It doesn’t offer clear answers, just a list of emotional and physical reactions someone might have in that moment.
This article breaks down the lyrics of “I Can Only Imagine” section by section. We’ll look at what each part could mean, not just in a religious sense, but also in how it might relate to grief, longing, hope, or fear.
“I Can Only Imagine” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: Wondering What Heaven Is Like
I can only imagine
What it will be like
This sets up the main idea: trying to picture something beyond human experience.
It’s about not knowing what heaven is really like and being curious about how it might feel.
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
Walking beside God suggests closeness and comfort.
It hints at a peaceful kind of afterlife where there’s no distance between people and the divine.
What my eyes will see
When Your face is before me
This imagines the moment of seeing God face-to-face.
In many faiths, that’s the ultimate experience. It’s completely overwhelming and hard to put into words.
I can only imagine
Repeating this line shows how big and unknowable this idea is.
It’s not something that can be fully pictured or explained.
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Chorus: Overwhelmed in God’s Presence
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
The presence of divine glory could mean joy, fear, peace, or awe.
These lines ask what someone might feel deep inside, not just what they might see.
Will I dance for You, Jesus
Or in awe of You, be still?
Dancing shows joy and celebration. But being still could mean being completely overwhelmed.
This tension between action and stillness shows how powerful that moment could be.
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Standing could mean strength or pride. Falling could mean surrender or worship.
These lines show that facing the divine might break someone down emotionally or physically.
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
Singing might be a natural reaction in heaven. But total silence could also happen if the experience is too much.
These questions show how unpredictable that moment would be.
I can only imagine
Again, the line repeats to underline how little we really know.
Verse 2: Thinking About the End of Life
I can only imagine
When that day comes
“That day” most likely means the day of death or the day of entering heaven.
It’s a clear nod to life ending and something else beginning.
And I find myself
Standing in the sun
“Standing in the sun” is a metaphor for being in heaven, bathed in warmth and light.
It also sounds like a peaceful ending, with nothing cold or dark about it.
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
This part suggests that heaven isn’t just about peace, but also about never-ending praise
For a Christian, this might feel like fulfillment. For someone grieving, it could mean believing that the one they lost is now in that place of endless joy.
I can only imagine
At this point, this line means more than just wondering.
It suggests that heaven will be so powerful, so good, that it’s beyond human comprehension.
“I Can Only Imagine” Song Meaning: Finding Peace in the Unknown
“I Can Only Imagine” is all about the unknown experience of meeting God. It’s full of questions, not answers. But those questions show a deep hope: that whatever happens after death, it will be full of love and beauty.
For people who have lost someone, this song can be a way to picture that loved one in a better place. For believers, it’s about preparing their hearts for what comes next. For others, it’s a way to think about what peace after death might feel like, even if we can’t really know.
Songs Like “I Can Only Imagine”
Here are some songs that explore similar themes of life after death, hope, or spiritual wonder:
1. “Heaven” by Beyoncé
“Heaven” wrestles with grief and missing someone after death. Beyoncé uses gentle piano and simple lyrics to ask where that person is now.
2. “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
“See You Again” was written for the Furious 7 soundtrack after Paul Walker’s death. The song captures friendship, loss, and the belief that people will reunite someday.
Related: Best Songs About Missing Someone
3. “Jealous of the Angels” by Jenn Bostic
“Jealous of the Angels” describes missing someone who’s died but believing they’re in heaven. It turns grief into a mix of sadness and peace.
4. “Homesick” by MercyMe
MercyMe’s “Homesick” is another song that tries to balance sorrow and hope. It speaks from the place of missing someone deeply while trusting they’re with God.
5. “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy
“Dancing in the Sky” imagines what life is like for someone who’s passed on. It’s full of questions, much like “I Can Only Imagine”, but asks them from the view of the person left behind.
Conclusion: The Power of Wonder and Faith
“I Can Only Imagine” is about picturing something that nobody on earth can really know. That sense of mystery is what makes the song powerful. It doesn’t offer answers. It leans into hope, wonder, and love.
Whether you’re thinking about death, faith, or just wondering what’s next, “I Can Only Imagine” offers a quiet place to imagine something better. It doesn’t preach. It asks.
You can listen to “I Can Only Imagine” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Interpretations.