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.
We
The Imperials Lyrics
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Looked again and saw that it was me
I feel like a little boy denying
That he fears the night 'cause he can't see
Then a larger thought said stop your crying
Don't be scared to search 'cause you may find
Fate holds out a candle for your footsteps
It's a long, long lonely night
You can make the morning if you try
It's a long, long lonely night
Oh, we can make the morning if we try
Girl, we can make the morning you and I
Together, together, together
Loneliness is darkness' first companion
Spend the night alone and faith may bend
Share it all and see how fear starts fading
Chase away the shadows with a friend
Dawn's elusive light is just beginning
Now the day can push away the night
Dreams can make the sun feel much brighter
Hope creates a foothold for the light
It's a long, long lonely night
We can make the morning if we try
It's a long, long lonely night
We can make the morning if we try
Girl, we can make the morning you and I,
Oh together
It's a long, long lonely night
We can make the morning if we try
It's a long, long lonely night
We can make the morning if we try
It's a long, long lonely night
We can make the morning if we try
The Imperials' song "We" is a hopeful message about overcoming loneliness and fear. In the first verse, the singer describes feeling like a little boy who is scared of the dark. However, a "larger thought" intervenes and encourages the singer to have faith in the future and not be afraid to seek happiness. The second verse reinforces the idea that sharing one's fears and hopes with others can alleviate loneliness and bring forth the dawn of a new day.
The repetition of the phrase "It's a long, long lonely night" serves to emphasize the depth of the singer's despair. However, the chorus provides a counterpoint of positivity and hope, emphasizing the ability of people to create their own happiness and overcome darkness together. The repetition of the phrase "We can make the morning if we try" reinforces the idea of collective effort towards a brighter future.
Overall, "We" is a poignant and uplifting song about the human capacity for resilience and hope, even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
I just thought I heard a small voice crying
I thought I heard someone crying, but I realized it was just me feeling lost and alone.
Looked again and saw that it was me
I took another look and recognized that the one crying was myself.
I feel like a little boy denying
I feel like a young child refusing to acknowledge my fear of the darkness and the unknown.
That he fears the night 'cause he can't see
The child is afraid of the night because he can't see what's in front of him, just as I am afraid of the unknown future.
Then a larger thought said stop your crying
A more mature thought entered my mind, telling me to stop crying and not be afraid of searching for answers.
Don't be scared to search 'cause you may find
Don't let your fear keep you from searching for the truth, because you might discover something helpful.
Fate holds out a candle for your footsteps
Life has a way of guiding us towards our goal, just like a candle sheds light on our path in the darkness.
Time rolls back the shadows of your mind
As time goes on, our fears and doubts fade away, revealing a clearer view of our path forward.
It's a long, long lonely night
The journey ahead might seem long, lonely, and daunting.
You can make the morning if you try
If you try your best, you can overcome the loneliness and darkness, and reach the dawn of a new day.
Oh, we can make the morning if we try
Together, we can support each other and overcome our fears, and face the new day together.
Girl, we can make the morning you and I
We can face the new day together, and support each other through the journey ahead.
Loneliness is darkness' first companion
Loneliness and the unknown are the first things we encounter in the darkness of the night and the future.
Spend the night alone and faith may bend
If you spend the night alone, your faith in yourself may waver.
Share it all and see how fear starts fading
If you open up and share your fears and doubts, you'll start to see them fade away.
Chase away the shadows with a friend
Having someone to share your journey with can give you the courage to face the unknown and chase away the shadows.
Dawn's elusive light is just beginning
The faint, uncertain light of dawn is just starting to shine through the darkness, offering hope for a new beginning.
Now the day can push away the night
As the new day begins, the darkness of the previous night fades away, giving way to hope and light.
Dreams can make the sun feel much brighter
Having dreams and goals can make the future seem bright and full of potential.
Hope creates a foothold for the light
Hope is the foundation on which we can build a better future, bringing light to the darkness.
We can make the morning if we try
We can face our fears and overcome the challenges ahead if we work hard and don't give up.
Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: JAY RAMSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yvette Reid
on Would You Believe in Me
Thank you Lord Jesus you speak to me in this song.
Stan Massengill
on Seek Ye First
Those are obviously NOT the lyrics.