McDonald played in several local bands (such as Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, the Reebtoors, and The Guild) while attending McCluer High School in his hometown of Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. He was 'discovered' while playing with a group called Blue and consequently moved to Los Angeles in 1970. He first gained wide attention as an adjunct member of the group Steely Dan, providing back-up vocals and keyboards. Michael continued to do background vocals for Steely Dan up to their 1980 Gaucho release.
McDonald was recruited by The Doobie Brothers in April 1975 when lead singer Tommy Johnston became ill during a national tour. As a member of the Doobies, he recorded some of his most memorable songs, such as "Takin' It To The Streets," "Little Darling," "Minute By Minute," and "What A Fool Believes" (which earned him a 1980 Grammy Award for Song of the Year).
After the Doobies' first farewell tour, McDonald continued with a very successful solo career. Among his hits are
* "I Keep Forgettin'", a duet with his sister Maureen, later sampled in 1994 by Warren G
* "Sweet Freedom", the theme to the 1986 MGM film Running Scared
* "Take It To Heart"
* "Yah Mo B There", a duet with James Ingram which won a 1985 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
* "On My Own", a 1986 duet with Patti Labelle which reached #1 on the US charts
McDonald has produced and/or appeared on albums recorded by many other artists, including his singer wife Amy Holland and Grammy winner Christopher Cross. He is also a co-founder of the small independent recording label Ramp Records, with studio designer Chris Pelonis and actor Jeff Bridges.
His current album out 3/4/8 is titled "Soul Speak."
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There is also Michael McDonald, an American songwriter based in Helsinki, Finland. Michael has played with Helsinki-based bands Montevideo and Treeball, and is about to release his first solo album in 2007.
Higher And Higher
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Than I've ever been lifted before
So keep it it up
Quench my desire
And I'll be at your side, forever more
[Chorus]
You know your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Higher (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Keep on (love keeps lifting me)
Lifting me (lifting me)
Higher and higher (higher)
Now once I was down hearted
Disappointment was my closest friend
But then you came and it soon departed
And you know he never
Showed his face again
[Chorus]
[Instrumental Interlude]
I'm so glad, I've finally found you
Yes, that one, in a million girl
And now with my loving arms around you
Honey, I can stand up and face the world
[Chorus: x3]
The lyrics to Michael McDonald's "Higher and Higher" are a testament to the transformative power of love. The song begins with McDonald expressing gratitude for the love of his partner, which lifts him higher than he's ever been before. McDonald implores his partner to keep the love flowing, saying that it quenches his desire and he'll be forever by their side. The chorus is a repetition of this sentiment, with McDonald singing that their love keeps on lifting him higher and higher.
The second verse of the song is a subtle nod to the difficulties that McDonald may have faced before he found love. He sings about being downhearted and experiencing disappointment, but finding solace in the love of his partner. He notes that whatever was bringing him down is now gone because of the love they share. The song concludes with McDonald expressing how happy he is to have found his partner and how with their loving arms around him, he can face the world.
Overall, "Higher and Higher" is a joyful song that recognizes the transformative power of love. McDonald's powerful, soulful voice and the upbeat tempo of the song serve to reinforce the message that love truly lifts us to new heights.
Line by Line Meaning
Your love, lifting me higher
Your affection is elevating my spirit
Than I've ever been lifted before
I have never experienced such joy and excitement
So keep it up
Continue to express your love
Quench my desire
Satisfy my longing for your affection
And I'll be at your side, forever more
I will always be with you for eternity
You know your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Your love is constantly elevating me
Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)
Continue to lift me up with your affection
Higher (lifting me)
Taking me to new heights
Higher and higher (higher)
Raising me even further
I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)
Your love is still elevating me
Keep on (love keeps lifting me)
Continue to lift me up
Lifting me (lifting me)
Raising me up
Higher and higher (higher)
Taking me to even greater heights
Now once I was down hearted
I was once very unhappy
Disappointment was my closest friend
I was constantly let down and disappointed
But then you came and it soon departed
But then you arrived and my sadness disappeared quickly
And you know he never
And that feeling of disappointment
Showed his face again
Never returned
I'm so glad, I've finally found you
I'm incredibly happy to have found you
Yes, that one, in a million girl
You are truly unique and special
And now with my loving arms around you
Now that I have you in my arms
Honey, I can stand up and face the world
I feel strong enough to tackle any challenge with you by my side
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carl Smith, Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind