I Can Only Imagine (David Guetta song)

"I Can Only Imagine"
"I Can Only Imagine"
Single by David Guetta featuring Chris Brown and Lil Wayne
from the album Nothing but the Beat
Released	2 May 2012
Recorded	2011
Studio	Paris, France (Gum Prod, Catfield); Amsterdam, Netherlands (Piano Music); Ibiza, Spain (Can Rocas); Naples, Italy (Test Pressing);
Genre	EDM; hip house;
Length	3:29
Label	Virgin; EMI;
Songwriter(s)	Christopher Brown; Dwayne Carter; Jacob Luttrell; Nasri Atweh; David Guetta; Giorgio Tuinfort; Frédéric Riesterer;
Producer(s)	David Guetta; Frédéric Riesterer; Black Raw;
David Guetta singles chronology
Chris Brown singles chronology
Lil Wayne singles chronology

"I Can Only Imagine" is a song performed by French DJ David Guetta, featuring vocals from American singer Chris Brown and rapper Lil Wayne, from Guetta's fifth studio album Nothing but the Beat. It was released as the sixth single from the album on April 23, 2012.^[1] Prior to its official release, the song charted in the lower regions of the charts in Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Guetta, Brown and Wayne performed the song live for the first time at the 54th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012.

Music video

The video was filmed on May 29, 2012, and premiered on July 2, 2012. It was directed by Colin Tilley. Guetta said how the video focuses more on futuristic images rather than on a plot as some of Guetta's other videos played out. It first opens up with Guetta walking into a room, and Brown appears in a mask as his eyes light up, in a costume that pays homage to Usher's cover art for his album My Way. As Brown starts singing in another scene, he is in a light-up suit. As the chorus plays, Brown is seen in a zero-gravity room. Guetta also then seen in the zero-gravity room. Wayne then is seen with a skateboard with a few other skateboarders in the background. Wayne is also located in another futuristic room. Brown is then seen in another room with a lit-up floor as he dances while he sings the chorus. Five other dancers join Brown.

Track listing

Digital download^[2]
No.	Title	Length
1.	"I Can Only Imagine" (Live at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards)	3:09

Digital download — EP^[3]
No.	Title	Length
1.	"I Can Only Imagine" (David Guetta and Daddy's Groove Remix)	5:50
2.	"I Can Only Imagine" (R3hab Remix)	4:43
3.	"I Can Only Imagine" (Extended Mix)	5:31

Promotional CD single^[4]
No.	Title	Length
1.	"I Can Only Imagine"	3:29

Promotional CD single^[5]
No.	Title	Length
1.	"I Can Only Imagine"	3:29
2.	"I Can Only Imagine" (David Guetta and Daddy's Groove Remix)	5:50
3.	"I Can Only Imagine" (R3hab Remix)	4:43
4.	"I Can Only Imagine" (Extended Mix)	5:31
5.	"I Can Only Imagine" (Instrumental)	3:29

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Chart (2011–12)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)^[6]	47
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)^[7]	17
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)^[8]	7
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)^[9]	1
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)^[10]	35
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100)^[11]	46
France (SNEP)^[12]	40
Germany (GfK)^[13]	32
Hungary (Single Top 40)^[14]	2
Ireland (IRMA)^[15]	18
Italy (FIMI)^[16]	59
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)^[17]	4
Netherlands (Single Top 100)^[18]	98
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)^[19]	28
Romania (Romanian Top 100)^[20]	36
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)^[21]	15
UK Singles (OCC)^[22]	18
UK Dance (OCC)^[23]	2
US Billboard Hot 100^[24]	44
US Dance/Mix Show Airplay (Billboard)^[25]	14
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)^[26]	10
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)^[27]	20
US Rhythmic (Billboard)^[28]	9

Year-end charts

Chart (2012)	Position
France (SNEP)^[29]	165

Certifications


Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)^[30]	Gold	35,000^{^}
^{^} Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date	Format
United States^[2]	February 13, 2012	Digital download — Live at the 54th Grammy Awards
Various^[3]	April 23, 2012	Digital download — Beatport exclusive
Australia^[31]	May 2, 2012	Digital download
Austria^[32]
Belgium^[33]
Finland^[34]
Germany^[35]
Italy^[36]
Japan^[37]
Netherlands^[38]
New Zealand^[39]
Norway^[40]
Switzerland^[41]
United States^[42]	August 7, 2012	Mainstream airplay

References

^ "David Guetta : "I Can Only Imagine" (feat. Chris Brown et Lil Wayne) comme nouveau single" (in French). Webedia. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
^ ^a ^b "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown and Lil Wayne ) [Live At the 54th Annual Grammy Awards] - Single by David Guetta". iTunes Store. 26 August 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
^ ^a ^b "I Can Only Imagine [What A Music]". Beatport. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
^ "David Guetta I Can Only Imagine UK Promo CD single (CD5 / 5") (566857)". eil.com.
^ "CHRIS BROWN PROMOS DONT WAKE ME UP CAN ONLY IMAGINE DAVID GUETTA - eBay". www.ebay.com.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in French). Ultratip.
^ "David Guetta Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 41. týden 2012 in the date selector.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in French). Les classement single.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I Can Only Imagine". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
^ "FIMI - Database Top of the music - FIMI". www.fimi.it.
^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 18, 2000". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine". Top 40 Singles.
^ "Official Romania chart". Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
^ "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine". Swiss Singles Chart.
^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
^ "David Guetta Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
^ "David Guetta Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard.
^ "David Guetta Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
^ "David Guetta Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
^ "David Guetta Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
^ "Top de l'année Top Singles 2012" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
^ "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Musik – "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single" von David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-01-18. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Musik – "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single" von David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Musica - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single di David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - ミュージック - デヴィッド・ゲッタ「I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single」". Itunes.apple.com. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Muziek - 'I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single' van David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 1967-11-07. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "iTunes - Musik – "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single" von David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-01-18. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
^ "Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates". Archived from the original on January 21, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.

[1] "David Guetta : "I Can Only Imagine" (feat. Chris Brown et Lil Wayne) comme nouveau single" (in French). Webedia. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2012.

[grammy-2] "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown and Lil Wayne ) [Live At the 54th Annual Grammy Awards] - Single by David Guetta". iTunes Store. 26 August 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2012.

[beatport-3] "I Can Only Imagine [What A Music]". Beatport. Retrieved 24 April 2012.

[4] "David Guetta I Can Only Imagine UK Promo CD single (CD5 / 5") (566857)". eil.com.

[5] "CHRIS BROWN PROMOS DONT WAKE ME UP CAN ONLY IMAGINE DAVID GUETTA - eBay". www.ebay.com.

[sc_Australia_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-6] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine". ARIA Top 50 Singles.

[sc_Austria_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-7] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.

[sc_Flanders_Tip_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-8] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in Dutch). Ultratip.

[sc_Wallonia_Tip_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-9] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in French). Ultratip.

[sc_Canada_David_Guetta-10] "David Guetta Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.

[sc_Czech_Republic_-11] "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 41. týden 2012 in the date selector.

[sc_France_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-12] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in French). Les classement single.

[sc_Germany_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-13] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.

[sc_Hungarytop10_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-14] "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.

[sc_Ireland2_David_Guetta_featuring_Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-15] "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I Can Only Imagine". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 January 2020.

[16] "FIMI - Database Top of the music - FIMI". www.fimi.it.

[17] "Tipparade-lijst van week 18, 2000". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved March 12, 2023.

[sc_Dutch100_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-18] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.

[sc_New_Zealand_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-19] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine". Top 40 Singles.

[20] "Official Romania chart". Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2012.

[sc_Switzerland_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-21] "David Guetta feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne – I Can Only Imagine". Swiss Singles Chart.

[sc_UK_David_Guetta-22] "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2012-07-23.

[sc_UKdance_David_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_&_Lil_Wayne-23] "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.

[sc_Billboardhot100_David_Guetta-24] "David Guetta Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.

[sc_Billboarddanceairplay_David_Guetta-25] "David Guetta Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard.

[sc_Billboarddanceclubplay_David_Guetta-26] "David Guetta Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.

[sc_Billboardpopsongs_David_Guetta-27] "David Guetta Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.

[sc_Billboardrhythmic_David_Guetta-28] "David Guetta Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.

[29] "Top de l'année Top Singles 2012" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 20 August 2020.

[AustraliaDavid_Guetta_feat._Chris_Brown_and_Lil_WayneI_Can_Only_ImaginesingleCertRef-30] "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2012 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.

[31] "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[32] "iTunes - Musik – "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single" von David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-01-18. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[33] "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[34] "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[35] "iTunes - Musik – "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single" von David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[36] "iTunes - Musica - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single di David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[37] "iTunes - ミュージック - デヴィッド・ゲッタ「I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single」". Itunes.apple.com. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[38] "iTunes - Muziek - 'I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single' van David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 1967-11-07. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[39] "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[40] "iTunes - Music - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single by David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[41] "iTunes - Musik – "I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - Single" von David Guetta". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-01-18. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

[42] "Top 40/M Future Releases | Mainstream Hit Songs Being Released and Their Release Dates". Archived from the original on January 21, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.

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v t e Chris Brown songs
Discography
Chris Brown	"Run It!" "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" "Gimme That" "Poppin'" "Say Goodbye"
Exclusive	"Kiss Kiss" "Take You Down" "With You" "Wall to Wall" "Forever" "Superhuman"
Graffiti	"I Can Transform Ya" "Sing Like Me" "Crawl"
F.A.M.E.	"Deuces" "No Bullshit" "Look at Me Now" "She Ain't You" "Yeah 3x" "Next to You" "Wet the Bed" "Beautiful People" "Paper, Scissors, Rock" "Champion"
Fortune	"Turn Up the Music" "Bassline" "Till I Die" "Don't Judge Me" "2012" "Sweet Love" "Strip" "Don't Wake Me Up"
X	"X" "Loyal" "New Flame" "Autumn Leaves" "Love More" "Don't Think They Know" "Fine China"
Fan of a Fan: The Album	"Ayo" "Bitches N Marijuana"
Royalty	"Back to Sleep" "Fine by Me" "Wrist" "Liquor" "Zero" "Anyway" "Picture Me Rollin'" "Little More (Royalty)"
Heartbreak on a Full Moon	"Privacy" "Questions" "Tempo" "To My Bed" "Hope You Do" "Party" "Pills & Automobiles" "High End" "Grass Ain't Greener"
Indigo	"Indigo" "Back to Love" "Come Together" "Wobble Up" "Heat" "No Guidance" "Don't Check on Me" "Undecided" "Under the Influence"
Slime & B	"Go Crazy" "City Girls"
Breezy	"Call Me Every Day" "Psychic" "WE (Warm Embrace)" "Iffy" "No Time Like Christmas"
11:11	"Angel Numbers / Ten Toes" "Sensational" "Feel Something" "Nightmares" "Summer Too Hot" "Residuals"
Other singles	"No Air" "Five More Hours" "Paradise" "Stranger Things"
Featured singles	"Shortie Like Mine" "Shawty Get Loose" "Get Like Me" "What Them Girls Like" "Freeze" "Work That!" "Drop It Low" "Back to the Crib" "Make a Movie" "Get Back Up" "Ain't Thinkin' 'Bout You" "My Last" "One Night Stand" "Best Love Song" "Pot of Gold" "Body 2 Body" "Better with the Lights Off" "International Love" "Another Round" "Why Stop Now" "Birthday Cake (Remix)" "Right by My Side" "Take It to the Head" "I Can Only Imagine" "Put It Down" "Algo Me Gusta de Ti" "Celebration" "Ready" "As Your Friend" "For the Road" "Beat It" "Sweet Serenade" "Show Me" "It Won't Stop" "Main Chick" "Hold You Down" "Only" "Post to Be" "Waves (Robin Schulz Remix)" "Hotel" "Private Show" "You Changed Me" "Do It Again" "How Many Times" "Fun" "All Eyes on You" "Body on Me" "Moses" "Play No Games" "Player" "Sorry" "Gold Slugs" "Drifting" "Wishing" "Something New" "I'm the Man (Remix)" "No Romeo No Juliet" "Do You Mind" "Whatever You Need" "Tone It Down" "Pie" "Either Way" "Melanin Magic" "Freaky Friday" "Attention" "Chi Chi" "Light It Up" "Easy (Remix)" "Haute" "G Walk" "Restroom Occupied" "Blow My Mind" "Something Real" "Put In Work" "Provide" "Already Best Friends" "Come Through" "Baddest" "Angles" "Woo Baby" "Nostálgico" "Nasty" "How Does It Feel" "How We Roll" "IDGAF" "FTCU (SleezeMix)" "Wake Up" "Wait on It"
Other songs	"This Christmas" "Dreamer" "Bad Girl" "Better on the Other Side" "Nobody's Business" "Let's Go" "Waves" "Flipmode" "Whatchamacallit" "The Take" "Slide (Remix)" "New Again" "Gyalis (Remix)" "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)" "Weakest Link"