I Can Only Imagine

Apparently my curt words implied Christian songwriters are shallow and inarticulate for producing pieces that focuses on being catchy rather than being profound. Well, to all the tactless critics out there, I would not have come to that conclusion if I was exposed to the same amount of songs, would I? I very much doubt I would only limit my musical features here to the meagre if you cared to share when I asked for recommendations.

Sorry for that outburst, innocent readers but please do not let certain hypocritical prigs to ruin this post. Before I get myself bombarded further, I am featuring a song that synchronizes eloquently evocative lyrics with emotive harmonies. The only one I know. I guess the title summarizes the main message here, and I must add that the idea does pique my mind at times. Beware though, for the tune is catchy and will most probably be stuck in your head. =)

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

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
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

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

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship you

Redeemer

This is the song that broke my stereotypical barrier in regards to Christian music. No offence to songwriters of this genre, but I did not know Christianity inspired lyrics would indulge in intelligent writing. Granted that my repertoire within the genre has never been the least bit extensive (since most ‘Christians’ are reluctant to help cultivate my spiritual growth with music via sharing), the majority of hymns I came across exhibited a preference for uplifting tunes instead.

Either way, before I offend some and confuse even more, take a moment of your time and enjoy this piece. Ultimately, both methods allow the message to have as much impact as possible so it does not really matter much. I suggests that you listen to it twice, once to immerse yourself in the video and once to savour the lyrics. Yes, I found the video fascinating despite its simplicity. If only more people will be like me and be a texturaholic… =)

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives yeah

The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and
There's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know
He lives He lives yeah, yeah I spoke with him this morning
He lives He lives, the tomb is empty
He lives I got to tell everybody

Hallelujah

Continuing with the Christian theme this week, I cannot think of a better song to include next. This is a little unorthodox so incorruptible Christians only. I do not want to be blamed for people losing their faith when it is weak to begin with.

Anyway, the frequency this song is used in various channels can be comparable to the regularity its title is articulated. And do not let me start on the lyrics, for apparently the original complete lyric is 15 pages long! Other than that, it is pretty straight forward and catchy. So, enjoy…

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Your faith was strong, but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Baby I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the Marble Arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's real and going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Maybe there's a God above
All I ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who out drew you
And it's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah