The song "I Can Only Imagine" is by the Christian rock band MercyMe. It was written and composed by lead singer Bart Millard and originally recorded for the band's 1999 independent album The Worship Project. The song then was included on their 2001 major-label debut album Almost There. Its lyrics imagine what it would be like to stand before Jesus in heaven, reflecting Millard's thoughts about his father's death. The song gained major success on Christian radio, becoming the most-played Christian single of 2002 and the best-selling Christian song of all time. It crossed over into mainstream charts in 2003 and experienced renewed popularity with the release of a 2018 film based on the song's story. The song has received multiple awards including Dove Awards for Song of the Year, and it has been certified five- times platinum by the RIAA, with over 2.5 million copies sold. Bart Millard wrote the song as a reflection on his grieving process and imagining what his deceased father might be experiencing in heaven in the presence of Jesus. The song's message has provided hope and comfort to many listeners who have experienced loss or difficult times.
