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.
I'd Rather Believe in You
Imperials Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say they have the answers for what I'm going through,
But they don't understand that their ways just won't work for me,
I've got a Lord, who knows my heart, and meets my every need.
Chorus:
Yes Lord, I'd rather believe in You. Yes Lord I'd rather believe in You.
You've always kept your promises, Your Love has never failed.
I saw the morning paper, "Hope is lost at sea."
Fear's the motivator, but where can the victory be?
Although the signs of troubled times are tempting to receive,
I'd rather trust in the Good News that my Jesus said believe!
Chorus
Oh, don't you know, that our crying time is near?
But Jesus is closer! And he dries up ever tear!
Chorus
In "I'd Rather Believe in You," Imperials speaks of finding peace in their faith in God rather than turning to other sources of comfort. The song starts with the singer receiving unsolicited advice from well-meaning friends over the phone. Though they may have good intentions, the singer recognizes that they can't provide the guidance they need as they have a relationship with God that sustains them. The chorus refers to how they would choose to believe in God over anyone or anything else. They know that God has kept their promises, and their love has never failed, so they put their trust in God rather than people or things around them.
In the second verse, the song discusses the sad state of what's happening in the world, as reported in the newspaper. People are hopeless, and fear is a driving force, threatening to overtake them. The lyrics, however, suggest the cure for the despair is to have faith, instead of giving up hope, and giving in to despair. The final chorus draws attention to Jesus, who is ever-close and can comfort us and, ultimately, dry our tears. The song emphasizes the importance of relying on God and trusting Him, particularly through challenging times that many people face.
Line by Line Meaning
I got another phone call, a caring friend or two,
I received well-meaning advice from some people whom I care about.
They say they have the answers for what I'm going through,
They claim to know how to help me with my troubles.
But they don't understand that their ways just won't work for me,
However, their methods are not effective for me personally.
I've got a Lord, who knows my heart, and meets my every need.
I place my faith in God, who understands me and takes care of me.
Yes Lord, I'd rather believe in You. Yes Lord I'd rather believe in You.
I wholeheartedly trust and put my faith in God above all else.
You've always kept your promises, Your Love has never failed.
God has never let me down and has always been faithful in his love.
That's why I know I'd rather believe in You.
Therefore, I have confidence in my choice to believe in God.
I saw the morning paper, "Hope is lost at sea."
I read a newspaper article that caused me to feel hopeless about the situation.
Fear's the motivator, but where can the victory be?
Fear is pushing me down, but I cannot see where there could be any success.
Although the signs of troubled times are tempting to receive,
Despite the attractive nature of negative messages during difficult periods,
I'd rather trust in the Good News that my Jesus said believe!
I choose to rely on the positive message that Jesus taught about having faith.
Oh, don't you know, that our crying time is near?
We are soon approaching a time of sadness and sorrow.
But Jesus is closer! And he dries up every tear!
However, Jesus is here for us and helps us overcome our sorrow.
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bobbie Rose
This is one of my favorite songs of all time. A friend gave me the Imperials PRIORITY album in 1981 after a near fatal car crash. I still love it now in 2018.
Tommie Wimberly
Psalm 118: 8 it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Yes i rather believe in you JESUS. Great inspiring song. GOD bless you imperials for your music ministry. Your songs are still touching lives today from the 80s
James Fish
In the midst of our struggle with Cancer, I am awestruck at the truth in this song. I would always rather believe in Him. So true, when others around are grasping for answers from the "experts", there is still One on the throne of our life, and I will look to Him to lead and guide us through these storms.
Jarod Carnarvon
Great song. Takes me back to grade school. I remember skating to this tune with my Church as a child in 1982/1983.
Alexandroupolis
The Word of God is spoken in this song! I wish christian stations would play more of these life lesson songs of God.
Erika Mel
Que lindo
snowflake758
Who’s listening in 2022! I woke up this morning in prayer and this song came to me. Haven’t heard this song in years since as a child growing up… I heard it very often played on cassette at home. Ohhh the memories! Wonderful! Thanks for sharing this in here. Blessings 🙏🏽🖤
1RxMode
This came into my mind today. Thank you Lord. ❤️
pawzyd
I got this Very Best of Imperials cassette in '81 as a gift and it was the first n best exposure of a contemporary Christian music as a teenager n ive been a fan ever since! Don't hear quartets like this. Huge blessing... 3_2023
Meri
Que canção linda!!!! Conheci há 30 anos atrás, e meu irmão acabou de encontrá-la no Google.
A maravilhosa palavra de Deus jamais volta vazia!!!