The multi-award-winning (including 4 Grammys) group, and Gospel Music Association's hall of fame inductees, began in 1964. Jake Hess of the Statesmen Quartet decided to hand-pick the best singers he could find to put together what he would call a "super group" that would be known as The Imperials: Hess (lead), Armond Morales (bass from the Weatherford Quartet), former Oak Ridge Boys baritone Gary McSpadden, the Speer Family's Sherrill Nielsen (tenor), and Henry Slaughter (the Weatherford Quartet) at piano. Until Hess was forced to retire because of health reasons, the group was usually called Jake Hess and The Imperials.
Over the years, there have been many changes of members (and styles). They hit their peak of popularity in the late '70s and early '80s with Morales, Jim Murray (tenor), David Will (baritone), and Russ Taff.
The current lineup includes: Jason Morales, Perry Jones, Ian Owens and Scott Allen.
Because Of Who You Are
The 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 The Imperials' song "Because of Who You Are" express gratitude and devotion to God for his divine creation and all he has done for humanity. The first verse acknowledges God's omnipotence and his role in bringing order to the world through his spoken word and creative power. The second line references the Book of Genesis, in which God created the heavens and the earth with a wave of his hand. The third line references the Garden of Eden story, in which God created the first humans and imbued them with his compassion, even after they fell from grace. The verse culminates in a recognition of God's greatness and a declaration of awe.
The bridge section of the song acknowledges the wonders of God's deeds and how they inspire reverence and humility in the singer. It leads to the powerful chorus, in which the singer proclaims their praise and worship of God because of who he is, not just because of what he has done. The chorus emphasizes that God's very nature and being are reason enough to express gratitude and joy, reinforcing the idea that God is worthy of worship simply because of his inherent goodness.
In the second verse, the lyrics recount the story of the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, and the promise of everlasting life that he brought to humanity. The birth of Jesus is referenced as a holy night, and his message of love and redemption is celebrated as a sign of God's heart and enduring commitment to his creation. The Crucifixion is cited as a powerful example of God's love, which endures even through immense suffering and sacrifice. The verse concludes with an assertion of God's power over death, and the ultimate triumph of life over darkness.
Overall, the lyrics of "Because of Who You Are" express a deep reverence for God's power and majesty, and a heartfelt appreciation for the blessings and salvation he has bestowed on humanity through his love and grace.
Line by Line Meaning
You spoke the words and all the worlds came into order
Through the power of your words, the universe was created.
You waved your hands and planets filled the empty skies
The simple gesture of your hands filled the vast emptiness of the universe with countless celestial bodies.
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden
You created humanity and placed them in a beautiful garden as a testament to your love for them.
And though they fell they found compassion in your eyes
Even though humanity sinned and fell from grace, your compassion remained and helped them find redemption.
Oh Lord I stand amazed at the wonder of your deeds
I am in awe of the incredible things you have done.
And yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees
Despite all of your incredible deeds, the greatest wonder is simply who you are, which humbles me before you.
Lord I praise you, because of who you are
I praise you not just for what you have done, but simply for being who you are.
Not just for all the mighty things that you have done
My praise for you extends beyond your mighty deeds.
Lord I worship you, because of who you are
My worship of you is solely because of your amazing nature and character.
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise
Simply being in your presence and experiencing your love is enough to compel me to praise you.
One holy night you brought the promise from a virgin
Through a miraculous conception, you brought forth the promise of a savior from a pure and humble woman.
And promise grew as he revealed to us your heart
Through the teachings and life of the savior, your loving and gracious heart was made known to us.
Enduring love displayed throughout his Crucifixion
The ultimate display of your love for us was shown through the sacrificial death of the savior.
And in the dark, you tore the grave and death apart
Even death could not hold down the power of your love, as you conquered the grave and brought hope to humanity.
[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.