Did you run the tracks and lyrics past any church leaders, and if so, who, and what did they say?

No, we did not, until after the album was released.  We felt that this was something that we must say.  Yes, it was Paul Dunn who set up a meeting with President Lee and the First Presidency and the 12 Apostles to get their “blessings” (not permission) as we presented it to them and played a few songs.  He asked them to, “Listen to the message of the lyrics.”  He told them that the music was of today and what the young people wanted.  After “Traffic in My Mind” was played, and a few other songs, President Lee told us that the words were inspired.

On the song "The Movie Man," does it mean we will all be judged in front of the world, everyone will know all our good and bad doings and thoughts?

Movie Man is somewhat your own conscience.  We are told that even your very thoughts will be “recorded”. . . that “everyone will know”.  We likened the Movie man as one’s conscience making a movie of one’s actions and even thoughts as he goes through this life making good or bad choices.  You can laugh and run away and try to hide your thoughts but, The Movie Man is always watching/filming you.  If you try to forget and need a reminder, it will be revealed to you if there is any question at judgment day.

What have other artists, your contemporaries, ever said to the family about this particular piece of work?

I’m not sure if Paul McCartney has heard it, but as Jay said, he was very open to the press and stood up for us when they “took a shot at us” and was quoted saying that he liked the Osmonds.

Tell us about the writing of the lyrics and music?

Jay is right.  It was inspired from on high.  We were messengers of the truth.  We were impressed and humbled . . . and words were given to us as what  to say and sing it in a way that would not offend and yet make it very clear.  We do not take full credit for the works.  I am constantly humbled as I know by which way they came!  Some fast and some very slow!

Does it surprise you that The Plan has stood the "test of time," and how does it make you feel when you know that so many people are still talking about the album as if it just came out yesterday?

I had a folder in which I constantly would write impressions and words down.  As you may remember, the album was almost ready to record, but we were in a fire in Memphis and the only notes we had were destroyed in that fire! We humbled ourselves and went back at it again knowing that it must be important.  Yes, there were songs that never made it into the final album.

Do you think this album was before its time?

I sure do. Christian rock stations (on radio) seem to be everywhere these days, so how do you think the album would do if it were brand new today?

The TRUTH always stands the test of time!

That’s why we are told to “Hold to the Iron Rod”, as in Lehi’s dream.  The Rod is the “Word of God”.  (The Scriptures.)  We will be safe if we hold to them!  Truth NEVER changes!

What is the meaning of the song, “Its Alright.”

This song is about those who are searching for the truth.  Sometimes the truth just “hits” you, and you know it.  Other times, it is learned slowly over time.

There will be those who “Find”.  There will be those who do not have ears to hear or eyes to see . . . and they will “never see”.  And, there will be those who find the truth but are not willing to live it . . . but, “throw it away”.

Alright?  Yes, It’s Alright, because we all knew in the pre-existence when we were all taught the truth that we have . . .  “The Power To Choose” and have the free agency to find the truth or throw it away.

It is our Choice!  Whatever we do, it is our decision and it’s alright . . . . because the Lord has created three kingdoms for his children.  We will all be very happy and live where we are most comfortable after judgment day.

If you had to give a talk in Stake Conference and pick one of the songs as a basis for the talk, which one would you pick and what would be the key points of your message?

Let Me In.  Jesus is the Way to get back to Heaven with our Heavenly Father.

He loves all of us, and if you have sinned, and made mistakes, even if our sins are red as scarlet . . . He is the only one who can forgive you!  And yes, he is willing to take you back into His arms again!

How did you feel when the original manuscript was destroyed by fire - do you feel with hindsight that it was some form of "divine intervention?"  

We felt that it must be  a VERY important work and had to be said. . . and that the adversary and forces of evil were trying to stop it from coming out!

I like 'The Plan' and understand most of the message behind it - I heard there was a book written explaining it further. If that is true, what is it called and is it still available?

Just Like Jay, I think Merrill gave his feelings about it once.

There is NOT an official book about it, and this is the first time that I have shared my feelings about it.  It was meant to be a “Rock Opera” and to let it be whatever each person feels it can be and is . . . or nothing at all.  But, be careful, with a warning . ..  “Don’t take it too easy!”

Could you tell us more about the cover for The Plan album, as well as the back and inside artwork?

Yes, it is a work of creation, like clay, in progress.  Kolob is the Planet nearest God.  The clay represents each of us and our world. . . that we can make it to be whatever we create!

Would you want to change anything about, or perhaps now add, extra songs in to The Plan?

No, but, the Plan Part 2 is almost written in “My book!”

My teenage son heard The Plan and swiped my CD.  It has helped him grow his testimony in a way that I wouldn't have imagined. I shouldn't be surprised, since it strengthened mine tremendously. 

Truth is Light!  If we are humble and ready and willing . . . we will see it.  And, we will hear the messages if we “have ears to hear.”  But, the world is filled with mist and darkness that sometimes hides the light.  In the Last Days, it will be a “Dreadful Day” as well as a “Great and Glorious Day”!   Yes, there are opposites in all things!  You choose what you feel is right and become what you are desirous of becoming.  Many, because of riches and pride, will be deceived and try to shortcut the truth.  The world will laugh and make you feel odd.  The real Question:  “Do you fear God?  Or, Do you fear Man?”

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~ Alan Osmond