Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri) is an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American R&B/soul singer (sometimes described as a "blue-eyed soul" singer), known for his trademark husky baritone voice.

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.

Children Go Where I Send Thee
Michael McDonald Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Children, go where I send thee
How shall I send thee?

I'm gonna send thee two by two
Two for Paul and Silas
One for the little bitty baby
Wrapped in swaddling clothing
That was born, born

Born in Bethlehem

Children, go where I send thee
How shall I send thee?

I'm gonna send thee two by two
Two for Paul and Silas
Three for the little bitty baby
Four for the Hebrew children
Five for the gospel preachers
That was born, born
Born in Bethlehem

Children, go where I send thee
How shall I send thee?

I'm gonna send thee two by two
Two for Paul and Silas
Four for the four that stood at the door
Five for the gospel preachers
SI for the six that never got fixed
Seven for the seven that never got to heaven
Eight for the eight that stood at the gate
Nine for the nine all dressed so fine
Ten for the ten commandments

Eleven for the eleven riders
Twelve for the twelve apostles...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael McDonald's song "Children Go Where I Send Thee" are based on an old spiritual that dates back to the early 20th century. The song is about spreading the word of God and sending out messengers to do his work. The opening lines of the song are “Children, go where I send thee / How shall I send thee?” In response, the singer says that he will send them two by two. The first pair is for Paul and Silas, two missionaries who were imprisoned but were freed when an earthquake shook the jail. The second pair is for the little bitty baby wrapped in swaddling clothing that was born in Bethlehem. It is a reference to Jesus Christ.

The singer continues to send out groups of messengers, each with a specific purpose. Three are for the baby Jesus, the Hebrew children, and the gospel preachers. Four are for the four individuals who stood at the door, five are for the gospel preachers, six is for those who never received divine healing, seven is for those who did not make it to heaven, eight is for those who stood at heaven's gate, nine is for those dressed in fine clothing, ten is for the Ten Commandments, eleven is for the apostles who rode to Jerusalem on Mount Olivet, and twelve is for the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.

The song is an uplifting tale of faith and devotion to God. The repetition of the phrase "Children, go where I send thee / How shall I send thee?" emphasizes the importance of doing God's work and being open to his plan. The song also highlights the diversity of messengers needed to spread the good news - from preachers to apostles to everyday people.

Line by Line Meaning

Children, go where I send thee
Follow my guidance, little ones

How shall I send thee?
In what manner shall I dispatch thee?

I'm gonna send thee two by two
You will journey in pairs

Two for Paul and Silas
One pair for each apostle

One for the little bitty baby
One to offer love to the newborn

Wrapped in swaddling clothing
Infant holds tightly to blanket

That was born, born
Jesus, who was born to save us

Born in Bethlehem
A holy ground, of great renown

Three for the little bitty baby
Second pair for Joseph and Mary

Four for the Hebrew children
Four for the innocents fleeing persecution

Five for the gospel preachers
Evangelists carrying the good word