By Gabrielle Gillen
Bart Millard of Christian contemporary group MercyMe shared the deeply personal story behind his group’s new song “Oh Death.”
While finalizing their latest album, the band was sent the chorus of a catchy, upbeat tune — around the same time Millard’s father-in-law was given a month to live. Millard said, “It’s not ‘Imagine.’ It’s this quirky, weird upbeat song about death. But somehow it fit my father-in-law perfectly.”
Millard shares that his father-in-law Frank was the godliest man he knew and a father figure to him. Upon hearing his diagnosis, Frank immediately embraced his final month and prepared for the day he’d go to Heaven with the biggest smile on his face.
In his last few weeks, Frank invited friends over to say goodbye, got a haircut and a prayer from his barber and took his own suit to the cleaners, excitedly comparing his upcoming funeral to a “wedding banquet.”
His father-in-law’s upbeat and joyful anticipation for death took Millard by surprise: “It really messed with my head because I’ve seen people die tragically or wither away…And then just this dude at 84 just fell asleep. Like no pain, no nothing, the way you want to do it.”
Millard was deeply moved by Frank, who showed him that death is a sad but beautiful thing that reunites us with God.
The band finished and shared the song with Frank before he passed away. A powerful line of the song takes away the fear of death, directly addressing it: “You’re nothing but a stone the Savior rolled away.”
Millard praises God for the timing of this song and its powerful message. He remarked, “I just love the attitude of this song. If you really try to live believing that death is nothing but a door that we technically walk through, and there’s no fear, no power behind it…That’s the kind of song it should be.”
Millard’s musical journey has led him to share his faith and lead so many to worship God and experience His love. He shared, “When God calls you to serve or preach, never stoop to be a king. Like, treat it like it’s a big deal.” He encourages others to take advantage of every moment as an opportunity and to treat it like the last thing you may ever do. God always has a purpose for us, and Millard says, “you’re the only one that was put in this place at this moment right now.”
“Oh Death” not only puts death in its place but also reminds listeners to be thankful for every day we have on this earth. Millard said, “There’s no time like the present, because these are the best days that we have now.”
Millard gives us a beautiful reminder that what we do matters, and we should lean on God for strength and guidance. “The enemy wins,” he warned, “when he is able to convince you that what you do is insignificant.”
Related: MercyMe ‘Optimistic’ on the Future of Christian Music
Millard has made an impact not only in the music industry but in the film industry as well. Filming for I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2, the sequel to Millard’s emotional story behind the song, wrapped on June 6.
When making the first movie, Millard admitted it was easy to get swept up in the world of movie-making and the technical aspects. At the first screening, he was shocked to hear about the impact it had on its viewers. People refused to leave, asking about Jesus and praying in their seats.
With this sequel, Millard hopes to bring more people to God and further his work in the ministry, showing the transformative power of music and film. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 releases in theaters Feb. 20, 2026.
MercyMe’s new single “Oh Death” is a celebration of life that encourages us all to live every day to our fullest and not be afraid of what’s to come.
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