McLean released his debut album, You’re Not Alone, in 1983 and with every song that followed, his lyrics filled voids, encouraged love, and offered hope. Now, more than 25 albums later, his musical legacy has not only resonated in the hearts of thousands, but continues to be a standard for those seeking meaning and peace.
To celebrate this exciting anniversary, McLean released a boxed set of six albums in 2008. The definitive collection, 25, is filled with his most beloved songs from the last 25 years, many of which were out-of-print, as well as a handful of brand-new songs on each album.
With a background in film, McLean began early in his career making commercials for radio and television, receiving numerous national and international awards for advertising. Such awards included the prestigious Clio Award, National Addy Award, New York Ad Club’s Andy Award, two National Emmy Finalists Awards, and the Bronze Lion at the Cannes Film Festival. He later used his film experience to produce and direct several films including, Together Forever, The Prodigal Son, and Mr. Krueger’s Christmas starring film legend Jimmy Stewart.
Ever the engaging performer and master storyteller, McLean has shared his beloved Christmas musical, The Forgotten Carols, with more than a half-million people across the country since 2001. With humor and heart, “The Carols” has become a beloved tradition for thousands of families who mark the beginning of their holiday season with this magical musical.
Celebrating the Light, another of McLean’s musicals, ran for five seasons at the Promised Valley Playhouse in Salt Lake City and The Garden, an allegorical oratorio written with Merrill Jenson and Bryce Neubert, opened in Jerusalem and has been performed across the country as well as in France, South America, and Russia. His popular sea-faring musical The Ark enjoyed a New York City debut in 2005.
In addition to his music and films, McLean has also authored four books with accompanying CDs – Distant Serenade, Hold on the Light Will Come: And Other Lessons My Songs Have Taught Me, The Forgotten Carols, and most recently, From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours.
McLean and his wife Lynne have three children and live in California.
Musical Style: Piano driven inspirational
Current Residence: California
He Knows My Name
Michael McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
I have a Father
He calls me his own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
He hears me when I call
The lyrics to Michael McLean's song "He Knows My Name" speak to the idea that every individual is deeply known and loved by their creator. The first stanza establishes this idea of being made by a Maker who formed the heart before time began. This speaks to the belief that each person is intentionally created and has inherent value in the eyes of their creator. The second stanza builds on this idea by introducing the image of a Father who calls the individual his own and promises to never leave them. This speaks to the idea of a loving and protective presence who watches over and cares for the individual throughout their life.
The chorus repeats the idea that the creator knows the individual's name and every thought, sees every tear that falls, and hears them when they call. This creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the individual and their creator, emphasizing the idea that they are not alone and that their struggles and pain are seen and understood. The repetition of this chorus reinforces the idea that this knowledge and care is constant and unchanging.
Overall, the lyrics of "He Knows My Name" are a comforting reminder to those who may feel lost or alone that they are seen and loved by their creator. The message encourages individuals to find strength and solace in the knowledge that they are known by someone who sees and values them completely.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a maker
I believe in a God who created me
He formed my heart
He intricately designed my emotional and spiritual being
Before even time began
God existed before the universe and created everything
My life was in his hands
God has always had control over my life
He knows my name
God knows who I am and cares about me personally
He knows my every thought
God knows my innermost feelings, desires, and struggles
He sees each tear that falls
He is aware of every moment of sadness or distress I experience
And hears me when I call
God listens to me when I speak to Him
I have a Father
God loves and cares for me like a parent
He calls me his own
God has adopted me as his child
He'll never leave me
God is always present in my life, even when I feel alone
No matter where I go
God's love and care for me is unwavering, despite anything I may do or where I may go
He hears me when I call
God is always listening and available to me when I reach out to Him
He knows my name
God's personal and intimate knowledge of me never changes
He knows my every thought
God understands my mind and heart better than I do myself
He sees each tear that falls
God is compassionate and empathetic towards my pain and struggles
And hears me when I call
God is always there for me, ready to comfort and guide me
He knows my name
God will always recognize and remember me as His child
He knows my every thought
God perceives my innermost feelings, even when I am unaware of them
He sees each tear that falls
God is attentive to my emotions, even when I struggle to understand them
And hears me when I call
God loves and cares for me deeply, and is always ready to respond to me
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ana
on Mary Let Me Hold Her Baby
❤ Best songs ever
Sage Boyer
on What Is Real
It's Real- by Michael McLean
The truth we all must seek; has not been concealed.
If we ask prayerfully, and look, we will see;
everything testifies it's real.
And all the Lord has made, and all His works reveal;
There's a purpose and plan, for the family of man.
And everything testifies it's real.
And every person upon the earth;
can know in their hearts if it's true.
And though it's a struggle; we're not left alone.
And if we have faith, He'll see us through.
And when we see his face; what peace and joy we'll feel!
At the glory of Him, our hearts burn within;
for He testifies that his gospel is real!
And no one can deny; and every soul will kneel,
for with His life, He testified-It's real