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 Was Here
Michael McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I see His countenance resting on your face.
I know that there are angels hovering all around us
For the presence of the Lord is in this place.
He was here, hallelujah.
He was here, amen.
He was here, holy, holy.
I will bless His name again.
Hear Him calling out your name.
He was here, you can touch Him.
You will never be the same.
I searched for peace among the shadows dark and lon
Ely.
Gave up on finding that strong and lasting love.
I tasted all the things that sin could think to off
Er me.
But today I feast on manna from above.
He was here, hallelujah.
He was here, amen.
He was here, holy, holy.
I will bless His name again.
He was here, listen closely.
Hear Him calling out your name.
He was here, you can touch Him.
You will never be the same.
He was here, hallelujah.
He was here, amen.
He was here, holy, holy.
I will bless His name again.
He was here, listen closely.
Hear Him calling out your name.
He was here, you can touch Him.
You will never be the same.
He was here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same.
He was here.
The song “He Was Here” by Michael McLean is a beautiful ode to the power of faith and the presence of God in our lives. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, with McLean expressing his belief in the Holy Spirit’s movement and the presence of angels all around us. He sings about the transformative power of encountering God, which can change a person’s life forever.
The opening lines of the song describe the singer’s sense of awe in witnessing the Holy Spirit’s movement. He sees God’s countenance resting on the faces of those around him, as if they have been touched by His grace. The presence of angels is also felt, indicating that this is a truly sacred moment.
In the chorus, McLean proclaims that God was here, hallelujah! He sings with a sense of joy and wonder, exalting in the knowledge that the Lord has visited this place. The repetition of the phrase “He was here” reinforces the idea that this is a rare and special occurrence, one that should be celebrated and cherished.
Line by Line Meaning
I sense an awesome moving of the Holy Spirit.
I feel a powerful and awe-inspiring presence of God's spirit.
And I see His countenance resting on your face.
I can see from your expression that you are filled with the love of God.
I know that there are angels hovering all around us
I believe that there are divine beings watching over and protecting us right now.
For the presence of the Lord is in this place.
Because God is with us here, this place is holy and special.
He was here, hallelujah.
God was present here and that's cause for joyful celebration.
He was here, amen.
I wholeheartedly believe and agree that God was here with us.
He was here, holy, holy.
God was here and his presence is sacred and pure.
I will bless His name again.
I will continue to praise God and give thanks for His presence.
He was here, listen closely.
I urge you to pay attention and be aware that God was present here.
Hear Him calling out your name.
God has a message of love and guidance specifically for you.
He was here, you can touch Him.
God is accessible and present in a tangible way.
You will never be the same.
Encountering God's presence will transform and change you forever.
Contributed by Alice B. 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