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.

Down By The River
Michael McDonald Lyrics

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Be on my side, I'll be on your side baby
There's no reason for you to hide
It's so hard for me standin' here all alone
When you could be takin' me for a ride

Ooh la la la
She could drag me over the rainbow
And take me away

Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Dead

Take my hand, I'll take your hand baby
Together we might get away
This much madness is too much sorrow
It's impossible to make it today

Ooh la la la
She could drag me over the rainbow
And take me away

Down by the river
I shot my baby
Down by the river
Dead

Be on my side, I'll be on your side baby
There's no reason for you to hide
It's so hard for me standin' here all alone
When you could be takin' me for a ride

Ooh la la la
She could drag me over the rainbow
And take me away

Down by the river

I shot my baby
Down by the river...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael McDonald's "Down by the River" speaks to the idea of being there for someone even when they are going through tough times. The singer pleads for the person they are addressing to be on their side, promising to reciprocate the favor. He believes they have no reason to hide and offers himself up to be taken for a ride, offering that they can take him over the rainbow and away from their troubles. However, the song takes a dark turn in the chorus, where the singer claims to have shot their baby down by the river. It's a visceral portrayal of a crime and contrasts deeply with the gentle and loving tone of the rest of the song.

It's possible that the song is a meditation on the idea of the duality of life - the good and the bad - and how those two things are often intertwined. The singer is offering support to someone, but they themselves have committed a violent act. The song's ability to carry both the light and the dark may suggest that the singer is grappling with some complex emotions, or that there is a lesson to be learned in accepting that there are always two sides to a story.

Line by Line Meaning

Be on my side, I'll be on your side baby
I want to be your partner and support you in everything you do

There's no reason for you to hide
You don't have to keep things from me or hide your feelings

It's so hard for me standin' here all alone
It's difficult for me to be by myself and not have you here with me

When you could be takin' me for a ride
I wish you were here with me, having fun and taking me on an adventure

Ooh la la la
A vocal expression of excitement or desire

She could drag me over the rainbow
She has the power to take me on an experience that is magical and amazing

And take me away
She can help me escape from my problems or concerns

Down by the river
Refers to a specific location that is central to the story

I shot my baby
The artist is confessing to a terrible crime and is full of remorse

Down by the river
Reiterating the location of the crime and its significance

Dead
An acknowledgement of the finality and tragedy of the situation