The Story Behind “Heaven Is Waiting”
“Heaven Is Waiting” began in the early 1990s with the phrase “Heaven is waiting,” which later developed into a song centered on hope, redemption, and God’s enduring love during life’s struggles. The chorus initially began differently but eventually formed around the message: “Heaven is waiting, with angels anticipating, that you will seek and find the love of God.”
Rather than referring to the afterlife, the phrase reflects a biblical idea: heaven rejoices when people turn toward God, inspired by Jesus’ teaching on joy over repentance and Paul’s message that God is near to all. The song portrays various individuals facing regret, loss, and hardship, each story pointing toward the same truth—God’s love is never far away.
The song has been described as having a subtle Ben Folds Five-inspired feel. Dan Parks released it under the stage name Heath Parson.
Lyrics
Jackie and Joe had a little fight
Jackie was tryin' to make things right
She said, "Joe, I sure miss talking to you
We started out as lovers
Now we're barely even friends
How come the heartache never ends?"
But
Heaven is waiting
With angels anticipating
That you will seek
And find the love of God
Heaven is waiting
And though your heart is breaking
The Father's love
Isn't very far away
Gary had not seen his son in years
And one day he broke down in tears
He said, "Why, didn't I show him love when I could?
Now I'm afraid it's too late
Too late to make amends
How come the heartache never ends?"
But
Heaven is waiting
With angels anticipating
That you will seek
And find the love of God
Heaven is waiting
And though your heart is breaking
The Father's love
Isn't very far
Tom's keeping warm with the daily news
He hasn't got anything left to lose
He says, "How did I ever end up in this place?"
He looks up and sees the mission door
And prays that he can be strong once more, he says
"I heard Your mercies never end"
Heaven is waiting
With angels anticipating
That you will seek
And find the love of God
Heaven is waiting
And though your heart is breaking
The Father's love
Isn't very far away
