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
Ninety and Nine
Michael McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I’m not perfect but basically I’m doing fine
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I am here in the heart of the fold
I’m not mindless but I try to do as I’m told
I’m not tempted to run and become the lost one
I am here in the heart of the fold
So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me
He’s holding his arms out and he’s calling my name
Yes he’s calling my name! But how, how can this be?
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line
I’m not one he must seek; I’m not all that unique
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
So why is my shepherd treating me like a lost lamb?
He’s searching to find me
And he’s holding me now, yes, he’s holding me now
And teaching me who I am
So why am I feeling like I’m the only one here
It’s like I’m his favorite
And he takes me aside, and he sweetly confides
These remarkable words in my ear
You are one of the ninety and nine
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold, and it’s time you are told
That I know where you’ve been so I know where you’ll be
Because all of your life you’ve been following me
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine
You are mine, you are mine, you are mine
You are mine
I am one of the ninety and nine.
In Michael McLean's song "Ninety and Nine," the singer is expressing their understanding of themselves as just one of many in the fold - not perfect, but also not lost. They are content to follow the rules and remain with the majority, confident in their place in the flock. However, when the shepherd calls out to them and treats them like a lost lamb, they become confused and disoriented. The shepherd's kindness and attention make them feel special, as if they are the only one that matters. In the end, the shepherd comforts the singer and reminds them of their value, assuring them that they are more than just one of many.
The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the relationship between God and humanity. The ninety and nine could represent those who faithfully follow God's commandments, while the lost lamb represents those who have strayed or are yet to be found. The shepherd's pursuit of the lost lamb, despite the abundance of faithful sheep, shows the limitless love and attention that God shows to all of his children.
Line by Line Meaning
I am one of the ninety and nine
I am a member of the flock who has not strayed away from the shepherd.
I’m not perfect but basically I’m doing fine
I am not flawless, but altogether I'm doing well in terms of being obedient and faithful.
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray
I have not wandered away from the fold and lost my path.
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I am only one of the many lambs under the care of the shepherd.
I am here in the heart of the fold
I am securely in the center of the flock, where the shepherd can watch over me.
I’m not mindless but I try to do as I’m told
I am not without a brain, but I make an effort to follow the directions given.
I’m not tempted to run and become the lost one
I am not enticed to break away and become one of the lost sheep.
So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me
Why is the shepherd approaching me?
He’s holding his arms out and he’s calling my name
The shepherd is reaching out and calling my name.
Yes he’s calling my name! But how, how can this be?
Why is the shepherd calling out my name when I am not one of the lost sheep?
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line
I have committed errors in the past, but I have remained obedient.
I’m not one he must seek; I’m not all that unique
I am not among those a shepherd must rescue, and I am not extraordinary.
So why is my shepherd treating me like a lost lamb?
Why is the shepherd tending to me as though I were a lost sheep?
He’s searching to find me
The shepherd is searching for me.
And he’s holding me now, yes, he’s holding me now
The shepherd has found me, and he is holding me.
And teaching me who I am
The shepherd is instructing me on my identity.
So why am I feeling like I’m the only one here
Why do I seem to be the lone lamb around?
It’s like I’m his favorite
It seems as though I am the preferred lamb of the shepherd.
And he takes me aside, and he sweetly confides
The shepherd separates me and kindly reveals something to me.
These remarkable words in my ear
These extraordinary words are spoken softly to me.
You are one of the ninety and nine
You are part of the group of flock members who have remained faithful.
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
Are you aware of how brilliantly you radiate?
You are safe in this fold, and it’s time you are told
You are secure in this fold, and it is necessary that you know it.
That I know where you’ve been so I know where you’ll be
The shepherd is aware of where I have come from and where I will go.
Because all of your life you’ve been following me
I have spent my life following the shepherd.
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
You are more valuable than mere sand on the seashore.
Or just one of the ninety and nine
You are not simply one of the many lambs in the flock.
You are mine, you are mine, you are mine
You belong to me, you are owned by me.
Contributed by Colin P. 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