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
Will I Ever Learn This Language
Michael McLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Will it ever come easy to me?
When the people I meet Start to speak,
Will I know what they're saying to me?
Will I ever learn this Language?
Will I ever speak it myself?
My greatest fear, is that I will not hear
Teach me, I beseech thee
Help me learn my role.
Teach Me, teach me
This language that I need to know.
Will I ever learn this Language?
And recognize the sounds
Of the native tongue when I am among
The lost souls who want to be found?
Will I always be a stranger
In some distant foreign land?
Will I be at home and not feel alone?
Will I ever understand?
Teach me, I beseech thee
Help me learn my role.
Teach Me, teach me
This language that I need to know.
Everyday I keep on hoping and working and waiting.
Wondering if I will ever feel at ease.
I should be out there 'cause I know that I should be teaching.
Instead of just crying myself asleep here on my knees.
If I'm gonna learn this language,
I think it is perfectly clear,
Its more than just words that need to be heard
Its where only the spirit can hear.
Teach me, I beseech thee
Help me learn my role.
Teach Me, teach me
This language that I need to know.
Language of the soul.
Michael McLean’s “Will I Ever Learn This Language” is a contemplative piece that speaks to the trepidation and uncertainty of being in a foreign place where one is unable to communicate or understand the language spoken. The lyrics describe the frustration and isolation that can come with this situation while also holding out hope that one will eventually learn and understand. The song suggests that the “language” being referred to is not just words, but also the intangible elements of cultural understanding and human connection that can only be accessed through the spirit. The singer pleads with a higher power to teach them this language that will allow them to feel at home and help them fulfill their role in the world.
Throughout the song, the singer questions whether they will ever learn the language and if it will come easily to them or be a struggle. They express a fear of not being able to understand the simplest cries for help and the worry that they will always be a stranger in a foreign land. At the same time, they assert the importance of learning this language, recognizing that it is more than just words and that it is necessary in order to feel a sense of connection and belonging.
The song ends with the plea to be taught this language of the soul, suggesting that true understanding and connection come not just from being able to listen and speak words, but from a deeper connection to the inner workings of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Will I ever learn this Language?
The singer wonders if they will ever be able to learn and understand the language.
Will it ever come easy to me?
The singer questions whether or not they will have difficulty learning the language.
When the people I meet Start to speak, Will I know what they're saying to me?
The singer worries about their ability to comprehend and respond to the locals' speech.
Will I ever speak it myself?
The artist is unsure if they will ever be able to speak the language fluently.
My greatest fear, is that I will not hear The simplest cries for help.
The artist expresses their fear of not being able to understand or respond to basic requests for assistance from others.
Teach me, I beseech thee.Help me learn my role.Teach Me, teach meThis language that I need to know.
The singer requests help and guidance from someone who knows the language, so that they may learn it properly and fulfill their necessary role.
And recognize the soundsOf the native tongue when I am amongThe lost souls who want to be found?
The singer wonders if they will be able to comprehend the language when communicating with those who are struggling or seeking help.
Will I always be a strangerIn some distant foreign land?Will I be at home and not feel alone?Will I ever understand?
The artist questions if they will ever feel at home and have a sense of belonging in a foreign country, while also understanding the culture and way of life there.
Everyday I keep on hoping and working and waiting.Wondering if I will ever feel at ease.
The artist expresses their daily struggle of trying to learn and comprehend the language, while also hoping to eventually become comfortable with it.
I should be out there 'cause I know that I should be teaching.Instead of just crying myself asleep here on my knees.
The artist feels guilty about not being able to share their knowledge with others and is frustrated with their lack of progress in learning the language.
If I'm gonna learn this language,I think it is perfectly clear,Its more than just words that need to be heard,Its where only the spirit can hear.
The singer realizes that learning the language isn't just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar, but also about understanding the culture and spirit behind it.
Teach me, I beseech thee.Help me learn my role.Teach Me, teach meThis language that I need to know.Language of the soul.
The artist continues to request assistance in learning the language of the soul, and the importance of understanding and embracing the culture and way of life that comes with it.
Contributed by Madelyn E. 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