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.
Baby Can I Change My Mind
Michael McDonald Lyrics
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As I packed my bags to leave
I thought she would start to cry
Or sit around my room and grieve
But y'all, the girl, she fooled me this time
She acted like I was the last thing on her mind
I would like to start all over again
I just wanna change my mind
Baby, let me change my mind
As I took those steps
Toward that open door
Knowing all the time
Oh, Lord, I just didn't wanna go
But she didn't give me no sign
Nothing that would make me change my mind
I would like to start all over again
Baby, can I change my mind
I just wanna change my mind
Baby, can I change my mind
Oh, I played my games
Many times before
But peoples, let me tell y'all
Oh, I never reached the door
But ooh, the winds howl tonight
I keep lookin' back but my baby's nowhere in sight
I would like to start all over again
Baby, can I change my mind
I just want to change my mind
I just want to change my mind
Baby, let me change my mind
I just want to change my mind
Baby, let me change my mind
The lyrics of Michael McDonald's song "Baby Can I Change My Mind" describes a person who regrets leaving their lover and is seeking to return. The singer packs his bags and expects his lover to be distraught over the breakup, but instead, she surprises him by seemingly not caring. The singer then continues to walk towards the open door, but he feels a strong desire to turn back and stay with his lover. The wind howls as he looks back, but his lover is nowhere in sight, and he is left with regret and longing to start all over again.
The song's lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing as the singer tries to undo the mistakes he made in the past. The repeated phrase "Baby, can I change my mind" captures the essence of the singer's plea to his lover to take him back. The song's lyrics are simple yet poignant, reinforcing the idea that sometimes the most meaningful messages are conveyed through concise words and phrases.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh she didn't bat an eye
She did not show any emotional reaction.
As I packed my bags to leave
I was leaving and getting ready to go.
I thought she would start to cry
I expected her to start crying when I left.
Or sit around my room and grieve
I thought she would be sad and mournful in my absence.
But y'all, the girl, she fooled me this time
But she surprised me this time.
She acted like I was the last thing on her mind
She pretended like she didn't care about me anymore.
I would like to start all over again
I want to try again and start from the beginning.
Baby, can I change my mind
I want to change my decision.
I just wanna change my mind
I simply want to change my mind.
As I took those steps
As I moved toward the open door.
Toward that open door
In the direction of the open door.
Knowing all the time
Being fully conscious and aware throughout the entire experience.
Oh, Lord, I just didn't wanna go
God, I really did not want to leave.
But she didn't give me no sign
But she did not show any indication either way.
Nothing that would make me change my mind
Nothing that would influence me to change my decision.
Oh, I played my games
I have played these kinds of games before.
Many times before
Numerous instances in the past.
But peoples, let me tell y'all
But let me tell you all something.
Oh, I never reached the door
I never actually left completely.
But ooh, the winds howl tonight
However, tonight the winds are howling and things are different.
I keep lookin' back but my baby's nowhere in sight
I keep looking, but she is not around.
Baby, let me change my mind
Please allow me to rethink my decision.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY GEORGE DESPENZA, CARL WOLFOLK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind