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.
Every Time Christmas Comes Around
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The nights are long and the days are gray
The fading sound of the robin's song
Summer days seem a lifetime away
It's the time that we look to each other
To raise our spirits and chase the blues away
That time of year when we all get together
[Chorus]
It's all right I can't stop thinking 'bout it
It's a good life no time to be sad
I feel so right every time Christmas comes around
Children's laughter and the snow on the ground
Starts lifting my heart up baby
I feel the love and the joy all around
That's how I know that it's Christmas darlin'
So glad that we've still got each other
And this love is a gift we'll exchange
A prayer for peace for my sisters and brothers
Let's ring the bell and bring on the holidays
[Chorus]
The song "Every Time Christmas Comes Around" by Michael McDonald speaks about the arrival of winter and how it marks the start of the festive season. The lyrics paint a picture of the cold days and the long winter nights, causing the fading sound of the robin's song and reminding us of the warm summer days, which seem like a distant memory. However, despite the cold weather and the winter blues, Christmas is a time to come together with loved ones, raise our spirits, and feel joy and warmth that the holiday season brings. It is a time of laughter, snow, and spreading love and cheer all around.
The singer emphasizes the importance of being thankful for the love and togetherness that we share with our family and friends. He acknowledges that Christmas is not about material things but instead, it’s about exchanging the gift of love and peace among each other. He encourages everyone to ring the bell and welcome the holidays with open arms.
Overall, the song Every Time Christmas Comes Around by Michael McDonald is a heartwarming reminder of what the holiday season is all about - the love, joy, and peace we share with each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man winter's coming on
With winter approaching, the weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter
The nights are long and the days are gray
Winter days can be depressing due to the lack of sunlight
The fading sound of the robin's song
The robin's song is a sign that the warmer days of summer are coming to an end
Summer days seem a lifetime away
The feeling of summer seems so far away when winter is upon us
It's the time that we look to each other
The holiday season is a time for us to come together and support one another
To raise our spirits and chase the blues away
By being around loved ones and celebrating, we can lift our moods and combat feelings of sadness
That time of year when we all get together
The holiday season is a time for families and friends to gather and enjoy each other's company
I see it comin' I can hardly wait
The excitement of the holiday season is building and anticipation is growing
Children's laughter and the snow on the ground
The cheerful sounds of children playing and snowfall bring joy during the holiday season
Starts lifting my heart up baby
These joyful experiences can have a positive effect on one's emotional well-being
I feel the love and the joy all around
The holiday season is characterized by an abundance of love and joy
That's how I know that it's Christmas darlin'
These feelings of love and joy are indicative of the approaching holiday season
So glad that we've still got each other
The holiday season reminds us of the importance of cherishing relationships with loved ones
And this love is a gift we'll exchange
The act of exchanging gifts is a way to show love and appreciation for one another
A prayer for peace for my sisters and brothers
The holiday season is also a time to reflect on peace and goodwill towards all people
Let's ring the bell and bring on the holidays
We should all celebrate and embrace the joy of the holiday season
It's all right I can't stop thinking 'bout it
The anticipation and excitement for the holiday season is overwhelming and brings a sense of comfort
It's a good life no time to be sad
When surrounded by loved ones and experiencing joy, there is no reason to feel down
I feel so right every time Christmas comes around
The holiday season feels like the right time to be alive and appreciate all the good in the world
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARC HARRIS, MICHAEL MC DONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind