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.
One More Song for You
Imperials Lyrics
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As long as there is time, and one breath left in me
There will always be one more song for You
And as long as there is room for one more voice in praise
And a need for a word of love and truth, to help my brother through
There'll be one more song for You
You were there with your songs of laughter, words of hope for my fears
What are words when no one hears
Every day was filled with questions, and when I asked, no one knew
Till I found the answer in You
Chorus
Love in the air around me, hope abounds everywhere
Living life in the arms of Jesus, learning how to really care
Every day is filled with purpose, all the old is made new
And I know I owe it all to You
Chorus
The Imperials' song "One More Song for You" is about the singer's devotion to God and their commitment to using their music as a way to express that devotion. The chorus speaks to the idea that as long as there is time and breath left in the singer, they will continue to create music for God. The lyrics suggest that the singer wants to use their voice and their music to help others find hope, love and truth, and to lift up their fellow man. The song speaks to the transforming power of faith in God, and how it can give one's life purpose and meaning.
The verses speak to the idea that the singer found answers to their questions in God, and how their life has been changed by their faith. The lyrics suggest that before finding God, the singer had many questions that went unanswered, and felt lost and alone. However, once they found God, they found meaning and joy in their life, and they now want to share that joy with others.
Line by Line Meaning
As long as there is time, and one breath left in me
For the duration of my existence, I will continue to sing for You
There will always be one more song for You
I will never stop singing for You
And as long as there is room for one more voice in praise
As long as there is a place for me to sing my praises for You
And a need for a word of love and truth, to help my brother through
When someone needs guidance, I will provide words of love and truth to help them through
There'll be one more song for You
I will always have another song to sing for You
You were there with your songs of laughter, words of hope for my fears
You were my source of joy and hope during my times of despair
But what are songs when no one else will sing them,
What is the point of singing when no one else will join in
What are words when no one hears
What is the point of speaking when no one is listening
Every day was filled with questions, and when I asked, no one knew
I had many unanswered questions and no one could provide answers
Till I found the answer in You
Until I found You, the answer to my questions
Love in the air around me, hope abounds everywhere
I am surrounded by love and hope
Living life in the arms of Jesus, learning how to really care
Living my life with Jesus, I am learning how to truly care for others
Every day is filled with purpose, all the old is made new
Every day has a meaningful purpose and I am able to start fresh
And I know I owe it all to You
I acknowledge that my life and blessings come from You
Contributed by Leah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.