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.
Big God
Imperials Lyrics
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He walks among the mountains
My God's a big God
He rises from the sea my God's a big God
The stars surround his shoulders
My God's a big God but small enough to live in me
My God's a strong God he made the mighty mountains
My God's a loud God his fingers snap like thunder
My God's a loud God he rocks the hemisphere
My God's a loud God he echoes through the ages
My God's a loud God but he whispers softly in my ear
My God's a big God he walks among the mountains
My God's a big God he rises from the sea
My God's a big God the stars surround his shoulders
My God's a big God but small enough to live in me
My God's a strong God he made the mighty mountains
My God's a strong God but he holds me gently in his hands
My Gods a loud God his fingers snap like thunder
My God's a loud God he rocks the hemisphere
My God's a loud God he echoes through the ages
My God's a loud God but he whispers softly in my ear
Chorus
The song "Big God" by Imperials is a beautiful tribute to the greatness and power of God. The lyrics describe God as being enormous and mighty, walking among the mountains and rising from the sea. He is big enough to hold the stars on his shoulders, but small enough to live inside each of us. The phrase "My God's a big God" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the magnitude of God's presence and power.
The song goes on to describe God as being strong, having made the mighty mountains, but also gentle enough to hold us in his hands. He is loud, with fingers that snap like thunder and the ability to rock the hemisphere, yet he also whispers softly in our ear. This contrast highlights the complexity of God's character and the ways in which he manifests himself to us.
Overall, "Big God" is a powerful and uplifting song that inspires listeners to connect with the majesty and wonder of God's creation.
Line by Line Meaning
My God's a big God
My God is all-encompassing and all-powerful.
He walks among the mountains
God is present everywhere, even in the most remote and difficult places.
He rises from the sea
God is the force of life that emerges from even the most turbulent and chaotic elements.
The stars surround his shoulders
God is the master of the vast and infinite universe.
But small enough to live in me
Despite his incredible power and enormity, God is also intimately close and personally present within each individual.
He made the mighty mountains
God is the ultimate creator of all things vast and powerful.
But he holds me gently in his hands
God is not only a masterful creator but also a compassionate and tender caregiver to individuals.
His fingers snap like thunder
God's power and might can be overwhelming and awe-inspiring.
He rocks the hemisphere
God's power extends to the entire earth and beyond, shaking and shaping everything.
He echoes through the ages
God's voice is enduring and persistent, echoes throughout history and eternity.
But he whispers softly in my ear
God is not only a thunderous force but also a close and quiet confidant and comforter for individuals.
Contributed by Daniel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.