The band had its genesis when long-time Statesmen Quartet member Jake Hess retired from that band on December 7, 1963.[1] Hess wanted to start a new group recognized as "king" of the Southern gospel field and thought the "Imperials" would be a good moniker. After getting the go-ahead from Marion Snider for permission to use the name (Snider had previously operated an Imperial Quartet named after its sponsor Imperial Sugar), he gathered together pianist Henry Slaughter from the Weatherford Quartet,ex-Oak Ridge Boys baritone Gary McSpadden, the Weatherford Quartet's bass singer Armond Morales and Speer Family tenor Sherrill (Shawn) Neilsen to join him.[2] Signing with Benson Records subsidiary Skylite, the group had a busy first year releasing 4 albums in 1964.
Because of Who You Are
Imperials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You waved your hands and planets filled the empty skies
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden
And though they fell they found compassion in your eyes
Bridge:
Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonder of your deeds
And yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees
Chorus:
Lord I praise you, because of who you are
Not just for all the mighty things that you have done
Lord I worship you, because of who you are
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise
Because of who you are
One holy night you brought the promise from a virgin
And promise grew as he revealed to us your heart
Enduring love displayed through out his Crucifixion
And in the dark, you tore the grave and death apart
[Bridge:]
[Chorus 2x]
The lyrics to Imperials's song "Because of Who You Are" speak of the amazing power and grace of the Lord. The first verse describes how God spoke the words to create the world and everything in it. The reference to waving hands is likely inspired by the scripture passages that describe God stretching out the heavens like a tent or curtain. The reference to placing man and woman in the garden is a clear reference to the creation account in Genesis, and the compassion in God's eyes even after they fell into sin and were expelled from the garden.
The bridge emphasizes the wonder and glory of God's deeds, but also acknowledges that there is an even greater wonder that leads to true worship and humble reverence. The chorus declares that the singer praises and worships God not only for the amazing things He has done, but primarily because of who He is. The song highlights some of the most foundational and powerful aspects of Christianity - the creation of the world, the promise of a savior, and the redemption through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Overall, the lyrics of "Because of Who You Are" speak to the greatness and glory of God, as well as His compassion and mercy towards His creation. It is a song of worship and gratitude, recognizing that God's very nature gives us reason to praise and adore Him.
Line by Line Meaning
You spoke the words and all the worlds came into order
With just your spoken word, you brought the entire universe into existence and gave it law and order
You waved your hands and planets filled the empty skies
With a mere wave of your hand, you created all the planets that fill the vast emptiness of space
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden
You carefully crafted Adam and Eve and placed them in a beautiful garden, where they would enjoy your presence and delight in your creation
And though they fell they found compassion in your eyes
Despite their disobedience and sin, you still looked upon them with mercy and compassion
Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonder of your deeds
I am absolutely stunned and in awe of all that you have accomplished and created
And yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees
Even more astounding than your works is the fact that you love and care for me, which humbles me and causes me to bow down
Lord I praise you, because of who you are
I offer my praise and adoration to you, not just for what you have done, but because of who you are - my loving, faithful Creator and Savior
Not just for all the mighty things that you have done
My worship of you is not solely because of the impressive things you have accomplished, but because of your character and nature
Lord I worship you, because of who you are
My reverence and devotion to you stems from your inherent goodness, wisdom, and grace
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise
You alone are the inspiration and motivation behind my expressions of praise and gratitude
One holy night you brought the promise from a virgin
In a miraculous event, you brought the promised Savior into the world through a virgin named Mary
And promise grew as he revealed to us your heart
As Jesus lived and taught among us, he revealed your heart and character, fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament
Enduring love displayed through out his Crucifixion
Your unfathomable love was demonstrated most powerfully when Jesus willingly suffered and died on the cross for the sins of humanity
And in the dark, you tore the grave and death apart
Even death could not hold Jesus down, as you triumphantly raised him from the grave and conquered death once and for all
[Bridge:]
[Chorus 2x]
Contributed by Bella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dansirvid
You spoke the words and all the worlds came into order
You waved your hands and planets filled the empty skies
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden
And though they fell they found compassion in your eyes
Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonder of your deeds
And yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees
Lord I praise you, because of who you are
Not for all the mighty things that you have done
Lord, I worship you, because of who you are
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise
Because of who you are
One holy night you brought Your promise from a virgin
And promise grew as he revealed to us your heart
Enduring love displayed throughout his Crucifixion
And in the dark, you tore the grave and death apart
Oh Lord…
@patmeier8820
I began listening to the Imperials in 1974 when I was saved and my nephew introduced me to them and here I am still listening to them 46 years later and loving every song and the voices that blend seamlessly
@endo2th
Amen!! Was 1979 for me. Armand is pushing 90!!
@dansirvid
You spoke the words and all the worlds came into order
You waved your hands and planets filled the empty skies
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden
And though they fell they found compassion in your eyes
Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonder of your deeds
And yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees
Lord I praise you, because of who you are
Not for all the mighty things that you have done
Lord, I worship you, because of who you are
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise
Because of who you are
One holy night you brought Your promise from a virgin
And promise grew as he revealed to us your heart
Enduring love displayed throughout his Crucifixion
And in the dark, you tore the grave and death apart
Oh Lord…
@endo2th
This was a glorious time for contemporary Christian music. I know that I am much older now, but it seems that CCM has lost a lot of its purity. Just my opinion! Thanks for posting this anointed song to the glory of God!
@enmaxus7210
I agree.
@joschmo1007
This song is so wonderful and so true and so Biblically sound. What a blessing The Imperials are!
@eunicequinosa3794
indeed
@laurenceboyce8657
The Imperials - my all time favorite! So many songs which praise and glorify Adonai. The gospel is presented in such a wonderful way by so many of these selections. Heaven will be filled with songs of praise.
@endo2th
Contemporary Christian music used to have a purity and anoiting. Something happened and I think for the most part, the purity is gone. This song is a good example of some of the best!
@barrymorris295
I would not be surprised if there is now 10 times the amount of Christian music available to us, as there was in 1982. Gone, now, just harder to find. The great will last, the chaff will blow away, just as it always has.