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 Looked Up
Michael McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A crowd around a jail called Liberty Then the leader of the others smiled
And told his older brother
They're all here to guess which one is me
And Hyrum, I predict they all will think it's you
If I were God you'd be the one I'd choose
You have the stature and demeanor
You're the one I'd give the vision to
Then the older brother told them:
I know why I wasn't chosen
If it had been me who said that prayer.
In the grove with light descending
With eyes closed and weak knees bending
I'd have kept my head bowed humbly there
But He looked up and saw a vision
He looked up and for himself he knew
He looked up and started on a mission
To show us where to look to find what's true
He looked up from darkness and despairing
He looked up with all his might
He looked up accepting that his calling
Would show us where to look to find the light
And that moment of decision
Changed the way he saw religion
Changed the way he saw the God of love
Though demanding sacrifices
When he witnesses who Christ is
Others feel their souls are changed because
He looked up when I'd have kept my head down
He looked up when I'd have been afraid
He looked up and life is not the same now
'Cause he looked up, I'm looking up today
He looked up and life is not the same now
'Cause he looked up, I'm looking up today
The song "He Looked Up" by Michael McLean tells the story of the vision that Joseph Smith, Jr. received from God, which eventually led to the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the song, Hyrum Smith, Joseph's older brother, tells the other prisoners that he predicted they would mistake him for Joseph because of his great stature and religious demeanor. However, Joseph was the one who had the vision, and it changed the way he saw religion and the God of love.
The lyrics focus on the importance of looking up and finding the light, even in moments of darkness and despair. Joseph Smith's decision to look up during his vision changed his perspective on religion, God, and his purpose in life. This decision led to the establishment of a new church, which has since grown to become a global organization.
The song encourages listeners to follow Joseph Smith's example and look up when faced with challenges and adversity. By looking up and seeking guidance from God, we can find the light that will guide us through difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
In the distance the prisoners could see
Prisoners saw something happening in the distance.
A crowd around a jail called Liberty
A crowd was gathered around the Liberty Jail.
Then the leader of the others smiled
The leader of a group smiled.
And told his older brother
He spoke to his older brother.
They're all here to guess which one is me
The people are trying to guess who he is.
And Hyrum, I predict they all will think it's you
The brother predicted that people will think that his brother is him.
If I were God you'd be the one I'd choose
The brother thinks that his older brother would be God's chosen one.
You have the stature and demeanor
The brother appreciates the older brother's appearance and behavior.
Of a great religious leader
The brother thinks the older brother has qualities of a great religious leader.
You're the one I'd give the vision to
The brother thinks his older brother would be the perfect person to receive a vision.
Then the older brother told them:
The older brother began to speak.
I know why I wasn't chosen
The older brother knows why he didn't receive the vision.
If it had been me who said that prayer.
The older brother thinks that he would not have received the vision even if he had prayed.
In the grove with light descending
The vision occurred in a grove with descending light.
With eyes closed and weak knees bending
The vision occurred when his eyes were closed and knees were bending.
I'd have kept my head bowed humbly there
The older brother admits that he would have humbly kept his head bowed if he were in his younger brother's position.
But He looked up and saw a vision
The younger brother looked up and saw a vision.
He looked up and for himself he knew
The younger brother realized something on his own.
He looked up and started on a mission
The vision made the younger brother start a mission.
To show us where to look to find what's true
The younger brother's mission was to guide people in finding the truth.
He looked up from darkness and despairing
The younger brother was in darkness and despair before he looked up.
He looked up with all his might
The younger brother looked up with all his strength.
He looked up accepting that his calling
The younger brother accepted his calling after looking up.
Would show us where to look to find the light
The younger brother's calling was to guide people towards the light.
And that moment of decision
The moment of looking up made him take a decision.
Changed the way he saw religion
The younger brother's decision changed his views on religion.
Changed the way he saw the God of love
The younger brother's decision changed his views on God.
Though demanding sacrifices
Even though it required sacrifices.
When he witnesses who Christ is
When he saw who Christ is.
Others feel their souls are changed because
Other people also had their souls changed because of the younger brother's experience.
He looked up when I'd have kept my head down
The younger brother chose to look up, while others would have kept their heads down.
He looked up when I'd have been afraid
The younger brother chose to look up, while others would have been afraid.
He looked up and life is not the same now
The younger brother's decision to look up has changed his life.
'Cause he looked up, I'm looking up today
The younger brother's example has inspired others to also look up.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Michael McLean
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@televisionmapuche
LYRICS:
In the distance the prisoners could see
A crowd around a jail called Liberty
Then the leader of the others smiled
And told his older brother
They're all here to guess which one is me
And Hyrum, I predict they all will think it's you
If I were God you'd be the one I'd choose
You have the stature and demeanor
Of a great religious leader
You're the one I'd give the vision to
Then the older brother told them:
I know why I wasn't chosen
If it had been me who said that prayer.
In the grove with light descending
With eyes closed and weak knees bending
I'd have kept my head bowed humbly there
But He looked up and saw a vision
He looked up and for himself he knew
He looked up and started on a mission
To show us where to look to find what's true
He looked up from darkness and despairing
He looked up with all his might
He looked up accepting that his calling
Would show us where to look to find the light
And that moment of decision
Changed the way he saw religion
Changed the way he saw the God of love
Though demanding sacrifices
When he witnesses who Christ is
Others feel their souls are changed because
He looked up when I'd have kept my head down
He looked up when I'd have been afraid
He looked up and life is not the same now
'Cause he looked up, I'm looking up today
He looked up and life is not the same now
'Cause he looked up, I'm looking up today
@seritawhite5540
I was laying in my bed as a dear friend of mine sent me this. Life has been full of trials lately. I pressed play and my body was overcome with peace and joy and happiness. This is so beautiful and I think I have listened to it about 12 times today alone. I’m grateful for your talents and all that you have overcome to be able to keep sharing your talents, because your words are healing.
@digdudemoose2536
Michael, as Joseph once said when he first met Newell Whitney, "thou art the man!" Thank you so much for sharing what our Father in Heaven has blessed you with. Thanks for this beautifully written song. Thanks for working with a talented singer and videographer to fully capture the powerful message your music testifies of. What a beautiful and uniquely personal perspective to convey, of two faithful brothers that loved each other & loved serving God. Your offering of this song reminds me of what wonderful things can come to pass when we follow the guidance of living prophets. Your contribution to the restoration celebration this year is helping me & so many others to grow in testimony and to celebrate & share the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thanks my fellow brother in Christ.
@sarahlundquist3853
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@emilyh7951
Dig dude I appreciate your response. It was really helpful to read.
@sherriecraig11
Dear Mr. McClean. This is one of the most beautiful and moving songs I have ever heard. Thank you. We never booked our evening in our home with you that we won years ago. If offer is still available we would love it. You may remember my husband at your Ogden WSU concert called up on stage. Mr. Taco Maker. 😁. May every needful blessing be yours as you continue to share your musical gifts 🎵❣️🙏
@craigspjute2736
You captured the sacred relationship between Joseph & Hyrum. Your talent is such a sweet gift to me (and SO many others). Thank you for holding on, for sharing the light, for letting go, and reminding us we are never alone. Your sweet wife and family are the anchor behind so much of your inspired work. You are my brother.
@kathleenbrandenburg1351
So many wonderful things can be said, but, I'm not great with words. I will simply say, "Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with me." Your Testimony is so appreciated.
@LibertyKemp-ss2wb
I love this song so much! I think it is a wonderful example of how God does not choose people off of their looks, he chose people who have the heart and childlike demeanor that the lord needs in his great leaders! Thank you for sharing this message in song form, I know it’s most definitely touched me and many others!!!
@cat-zk8bv
I heard this song for the 1st time tonight on the Turtle House Fireside.
Awesome.
I have followed you thru the years. I have a son who still is addicted to drugs.
I'm just 2 years younger than you, so we experienced life together so to say.
My daughter after growing up as a faithful LDS girl, chose a different path & divorced herself from the family. Last year, after 25 years & lots of prayers she has reached out to me.
NEVER give up.
Thank you for sharing your testimony through music.
All the same song? NOPE! Just more verses. 💙 🙏 🎶 😇
@heathers5459
Michael, thank you! What a great perspective; thank you for responding to President Nelson's challenge through song so we might all feel the spirit of this life-changing event. Perfect timing!!