Some questions I got asked about "The Plan":

1.  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 "revelation" was a "vertical" process, and this was something that we must say.
Yes, it was Paul Dunn who set up a meeting with President Lee, the First Presidency, and the 12 Apostles . . . to get their “blessings” (not permission) as we presented it to them and played a few songs.  Brother Dunn 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, there were a few raised eyebrows! President Lee, our latter-day prophet, read the lyrics again and said to everyone that, "The words are inspired".

2.  What and who is "The Movie Man"?

The Movie Man is a song that somewhat represents one's own conscience.  We all have one! We are told (spiritually) that even your very thoughts will be “recorded”. . . that “everyone will know” your ways at judgement day .  We likened "The Movie Man" to a film maker making a movie of one’s actions (one’s conscience), and even thoughts as he goes through this life... making good or bad choices.  You can laugh, run away, and try to hide your thoughts... and, you might even "make your Mother cry". But, "The Movie Man" is always watching and "filming" you.  If you try to forget and think you can run away . . . you need a reminder that it will again be revealed to you if there is any question at judgment day.

3.  Jay said, "I’m not sure if Paul McCartney has heard The Plan." Do you know?

I don't know whether he has heard "The Plan" or not. Paul McCartney was very open to the press and stood up for our family when the Press “took a shot at us” during "OSMONNDMANIA" days. Paul was quoted as saying, "I like the Osmonds". That gave our family a lot of encouragement! We finally met him and his daughter in France.

4.  Jay also said, "It was inspired?"

Jay is right.  It was inspired from on high.  We were messengers of the truth.  We were impressed and humbled. As I wrote most of the words, words and music were given to me and Wayne on how to say, and (Merrill) to sing it in a way that would not offend and yet make The Lord's Plan very clear.  We do not take full credit for the works.  It is almost as "someone"... (The Holy Spirit and/or Ministring Angels) ...was whispering to us what to say! I am constantly humbled as I know by which way these songs came!  Some were fast . . . and some very slow!

5. Does it surprise you that The Plan has stood the "test of time"? 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?

No. The truth always does come out! And, time will tell! We still are "moved" to share the Plan of Life with others!

6. Do you think this album was before its time?

It was the right time for us. We wanted to share these truths with our fans and friends! As young song and lyric writers, I had a folder in which I constantly would write impressions, ideas, and words down.  "The Plan" was a "work in progress." 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. They were as "stepping stones" to the final product. We knew for sure that we needed to share "The Plan" at that time and get it out soon. By following up right away from a successful Gold Record release, we felt that many of our fans would hopefully buy this and hear our works . . . that it may affect their lives for good as it has ours.

We did a "TEST RELEASE" of this album and sent it to Rock Stations in a blank cover with no name on it. We asked them to try to identify the group. Many came back saying it was Led Zepplin!

7. 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?

As it has been re-released again on itunes, I think it should do very well. The TRUTH always stands the test of time! The problem is that some people don't want to hear it!
That’s why in these last days we are told to “Hold to the Iron Rod”, as in Lehi’s dream.  (Book of Mormon) The Iron Rod is the “Word of God”.  (The Scriptures.)  We will be safe if we hold to them!  Truth NEVER changes! God is "the same yesterday, today, and forever."

8. What is the meaning of the song, “Its All Right.”

This song is about those who are searching for the truth.
Sometimes the truth just “hits” you...and you know it! ("All right!")
Other times, it is learned slowly over time.
There will be those who “Find” the truth.  There will be those who do not have ears to hear or eyes to see . . . and they will “never see” it.  And, there will be those who find the truth but are not willing to live it . . . but, “throw it away”.
"All Right?  Yes, It’s All right", was expressed and sung because, we all knew in the pre-existence when we were all taught the truth, that we have . . .that we have “The Power To Choose”. (Remember? ) We came her to prove ourselves to see if we were ready for greater things! We have the free agency to find the truth, ignore it, or throw it away. It is our Choice!  What ever we do, it is our decision and "It’s Alright"! This life is the time to find out who you are! You see, the Lord has created and prepared three kingdoms for his children after this life.  We will all be very happy and live where we are most comfortable in one of those kingdoms after judgment day.

8.  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".  This "Love Song" is about Jesus Christ. Jesus is "The Way" and how to get back to Heaven with our Heavenly Father! He is the only "One" who can "Turn the World Around" and fix the problems of today. He loves all of us, and if we have sinned, and made mistakes, even if our sins are red as scarlet, He is the only One who can forgive you!  That's why he died for us. And yes, he is willing to take you back into "His arms" again! But, you have to want it!

9. 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!

10. 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?

I don't know of one. Just like Jay, I think Merrill gave his feelings about it once. There is NOT an official book about it. Yes, I did most of the words and chords and hold those inspiring moments carefully inside. Some things don't need to be explained or shared. The Spirit will tell you what you need to know. This is the first time that I have shared my feelings about it.  "The Plan" was meant to be a “Rock Opera” and to let it be whatever each person feels it can be, and is important . . . or nothing at all.  But, be careful, as you listen to the song messages, with somewhat of a warning , . . .  “Don’t take it too easy!” Life can pass quickly by! Don't let it be too late! The Last Days are here! Follow your heart.

11. 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 or creation . . . which like clay, is a work in progress. (Much like this world.)
We recorded this project for our company called Kolob Records. Kolob is the Planet nearest to God.  The Sun gets it’s light from Kolob.
The clay represents each of us and our own world. We can make it to be whatever we create! This album was like a piece of clay becoming whatever we make it!

12. 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 notebook!” It will hopefully come out soon!

13. 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.  Assuming your boys have listened to it, how has The Plan affected them?

It has "touched" all of us and many more. As I mentioned, "Truth is Light"!  If we are humble, and ready and willing. . . we will see it.  You will feel it! We will know it to be true! And, we will hear the messages if we “have ears to hear”. But, the world is filled with distractions an a "mist of darkness" more than ever that sometimes hides the light.  In the Last Days, (NOW!) 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, discouraged, become "worldly", and one might try to shortcut the truth.  The world may laugh at you and make you feel odd and have fear.  The real Question is: “Do you fear Man? . . . Or . . . “Do you fear God?  You make your own choices! So, "Don't Take It Too Easy!"

Alan Osmond