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
Take My Life
Michael McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I couldn't see a thing developing
It's been that way too long
So I have come with a request
A part of me thinks I'm insane
But I'm determined to see this thing through
And I would not complain
Take my life
And turn it into something better
Choose any way you will
Take this shack
Break down the walls and build a palace
Upon a higher hill
I thought I knew where I should go
And try to get there on my own
I took an easy road
But now I know I'm lost and all alone
Take my life
and turn it into something useful
Don't stop until you're done
Take this eyes
Make them see a clearer vision
Of what I can become
On those days
When I think I'm dying
I'll trust in you
And I'll keep on trying
If you pick this road I'll take it
And with you as my Guide
I know I can make it
Take my life
And make it one that is worth living
Don't stop until you're through
Take this life
The one that I am freely giving
I give it all
I give it all
I give it all to You
I give it all
I give it all
To You...
The song "Take My Life" by Michael McLean is a powerful plea for change and transformation. The lyrics start with the singer realizing that they've been taking the wrong approach to their life, and it hasn't been yielding any growth or development. They reach a point where they realize they need to make a change, and that they can't do it on their own. The singer then offers their life as a blank canvas for a higher power to create something better.
The request for transformation in the lyrics is a powerful message that resonates with many people who feel like they've hit a dead end in their lives. It's a recognition that sometimes we need to surrender control and allow a greater force to guide us towards a better life. The song speaks of the transformation of the singer's shack into a palace, a metaphor for the potential that lies untapped within all of us.
The lyrics also acknowledge that the journey to transformation is not an easy one. The singer acknowledges that they may feel lost and alone, but is determined to have faith in the process and keep trying. The message of the song is ultimately one of hope and surrender, a reminder that sometimes we need to let go of our plans and trust that a higher power has something better in store for us.
Line by Line Meaning
I took a snapshot of my life but the exposure was all wrong
I tried to capture who I am, but I didn't do it correctly, and I can't see my life clearly.
I couldn't see a thing developing
I'm not getting better, and I can't see how to fix it.
It's been that way too long
I've been struggling for too long, and I can't seem to overcome it.
So I have come with a request
I've realized I can't do it alone, so I'm asking for help.
A part of me thinks I'm insane
I'm questioning my own sanity, but I know I need to do this.
But I'm determined to see this thing through
I'm committed to getting better, no matter what it takes.
And I would not complain
I won't complain or give up because I know I need this change.
Take my life
I'm asking for a complete transformation of my life.
And turn it into something better
Make my life better than it ever was before.
Choose any way you will
Whatever it takes to make my life better, do it.
Take this shack
My current life is like a shack, and I need something better.
Break down the walls and build a palace
Completely destroy my old life and build something grander.
Upon a higher hill
Take me to new heights and greater accomplishments.
I thought I knew where I should go
I thought I had a plan for my life, but I realize it was wrong.
And try to get there on my own
I tried to make it to my goals alone, but I failed.
I took an easy road
I made the mistake of taking the easy way out, and it led me astray.
But now I know I'm lost and all alone
Now I realize I have no idea what I'm doing, and I feel alone.
And turn it into something useful
Make my life count for something important.
Don't stop until you're done
Don't give up on me halfway through, please.
Take this eyes
Help me see clearly what I need to do to succeed.
Make them see a clearer vision
Allow me to see the path ahead of me more clearly.
Of what I can become
What I can achieve with my life with the right guidance.
On those days
There will be tough times where I feel like giving up.
When I think I'm dying
When I feel like everything is going wrong.
I'll trust in you
I'll rely on you to lead me through the tough times.
And I'll keep on trying
I won't give up even when things are tough.
If you pick this road I'll take it
If you show me a way, I'll follow it.
And with you as my Guide
With your help and guidance, I know I can get there.
I know I can make it
I'm confident that I can succeed with your help.
Make it one that is worth living
Help me create a life that is worth living.
Take this life
I'm willing to give you everything, including my life.
The one that I am freely giving
I'm giving my life to you, and I trust you to make it better.
I give it all
I'm giving everything over to you.
To You...
I trust you to take care of me and lead me on a better path.
Contributed by Brooklyn 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