Even after 30-plus years fronting one of the most successful band’s in Christian music, MercyMe’s Bart Millard still gets imposter syndrome. The frontman, 53, sounds the alarm on the negative thoughts in his head on the group’s fresh single, “Wake Up Sleeper,” which premiered as a K-LOVE First. The upbeat, dance-worthy original is as much an encouragement to the singer himself as it is to listeners, acting as a clarion call to not allow the lies to hold us back from our God-given purpose in life.
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“Believe it or not, there are seasons in my life when the enemy tries to convince me that I’m not worthy to do this, that my time is up, that I’m getting up there in age, whatever the case is. And sometimes I buy into it, and it brings on some pretty rough days,” Millard confesses. “[This song] is a reminder that God is not done with me yet. God’s not done with you yet, no matter where you come from or what you’re going through. There will never be another you in the history of mankind. And so, take advantage of it. Wake up, live your life to the fullest because of what God has done for you.”
The track literally begins with an alarm and quickly morphs into a guitar-heavy rock anthem, solely penned by Millard. “Wake Up Sleeper” follows MercyMe’s latest No. 1 hit, “Make It Well,” a modern take on the familiar hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” The band recorded the ballad in support of their second movie, “I Can Only Imagine 2,” which hit theaters nationwide in February.
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Earlier this year, “I Can Only Imagine 2” claimed the Film Impact trophy at the 2026 K-LOVE Fan Awards. MercyMe also took home an additional golden ‘K’ for Group of the Year, their third career win in the category.
The band kicks off a 24-city fall tour Oct. 8 in Columbus, Georgia. The headlining trek will wrap Nov. 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is slated to feature seasoned hitmaker Jeremy Camp, as well as support from “Even If” co-writer Tim Timmons and Millard’s son, Sam Wesley.
