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."
*********
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.
All We Got
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not enough, there's never enough¡
As we look out on a world
Full of people, places and things
They seem so important to us
There's no harm in that girl
We know that's not all we're gonna find
But when it comes to you and me
I know the most important part
Is what we have in our hearts
Baby it's all we really need
When all those things are never enough
In this world of everything or nothin' baby
Remember, this love is all we got, babe
As we travel down the road
To make our dreams come true
We know that things are gonna change
But when it comes to you and me
If we look back to the start
When all we shared was in our hearts
We could have a house in the country
We could drive a big fine car
We could set our sights on tomorrow
We could hitch a ride on the brightest star
'cause all those things could never be enough
In this world of everything or nothing
Remember baby, this love is all we got
This love is all we got, babe
When it comes to money
Fame¡
Power¡
People, places and things
This love is all we got
In the lyrics to Michael McDonald's song "All We Got," the singer reflects on the idea of material possessions and their importance in the world. He acknowledges that people often place value and importance on things like money, fame, power, and possessions, but ultimately these things are never enough. The song emphasizes that the most important thing in life is the love that two people share, and that this love is all that really matters in the end.
The lyrics describe a world full of people, places, and things that seem important, but ultimately cannot compare to the love between the singer and his partner. In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that there is no harm in finding joy in these worldly things, but there is a recognition that there is more to life than just material possessions. The chorus emphasizes the idea that love is all that really matters, and that all of the other things people chase after will never be enough.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on the journey he and his partner have taken to achieve their dreams. He acknowledges that things will change along the way, but once again emphasizes that their love is the most important thing. The bridge of the song specifically lists all of the things that people often attribute value to, like a house in the country, a fine car, or hitching a ride on the brightest star, but ultimately the song concludes that none of these things matter as much as the love that two people share.
Overall, "All We Got" offers a powerful message about the importance of love and the true worth of material possessions. It suggests that even though people often place value on worldly things, ultimately it is the love that two people share that matters most.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not enough, there's never enough...
Despite the abundance of people, places and things in the world that can bring us joy, none of them alone are enough to fulfill us entirely.
As we look out on a world...
From our perspective, the world is full of diverse things and experiences that can seem all-encompassing and essential to our lives, but in reality, they are only a small part of the bigger picture.
There's no harm in that girl...
While material possessions and worldly pleasures may bring temporary happiness, they are ultimately insufficient for true satisfaction.
But for all the joy it can bring...
Although the things we acquire and experience can be enjoyable and meaningful, they are never enough to satisfy our deepest needs and desires.
We know that's not all we're gonna find...
We recognize that there is more to life and love than what we currently have or see.
But when it comes to you and me...
Despite all the other things we could focus on or value, what truly matters is our love and connection to each other.
I know the most important part...
Of all the things we could prioritize or desire, the most essential component is what we share within our hearts and the depth of our love for each other.
Baby it's all we really need...
Our love for each other is the only true necessity in our lives, despite any other superficial or material wants we may have.
When all those things are never enough...
Even when we have everything we thought we wanted, it still feels insufficient and empty without love.
In this world of everything or nothin' baby...
We live in a world where we are taught to constantly strive for more and more, but true fulfillment is only found in the love we share.
Remember, this love is all we got, babe...
No matter what changes or challenges may come our way, our love for each other is the one constant we can always rely on.
As we travel down the road...
As we journey through life, we know that things will inevitably shift and transform, but our love for each other will always remain steadfast.
To make our dreams come true...
While we each have our own aspirations and goals in life, we recognize that the foundation of our happiness and fulfillment is our love for each other.
We know that things are gonna change...
Amidst all the uncertainties and unknowns in life, one thing we can count on is that our love for each other will continue to sustain us.
If we look back to the start...
Reflecting on the beginning of our relationship reminds us of the simplicity and purity of our love, which remains unchanged despite whatever else may occur in life.
We could have a house in the country...
While there are many desirable things we could attain in life, we know that they would never truly satisfy us like our love for each other does.
We could drive a big fine car...
Even the most luxurious and impressive possessions would pale in comparison to the value and importance of our love for each other.
We could set our sights on tomorrow...
While we each have our eye on future goals and aspirations, we know that our love for each other is what will truly sustain us throughout our lives.
We could hitch a ride on the brightest star...
Even if we could attain the greatest heights of success and achievement, our love for each other would still be the most valuable and essential thing we have.
'cause all those things could never be enough...
No matter how much we acquire or accomplish in life, it will never be enough to replace or surpass the love we have for each other.
This love is all we got...
Ultimately, our love for each other is the only thing that really matters and the only thing we truly need in life.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MICHAEL H. MC DONALD, PETER M. LEINHEISER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind