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.
For Once In My Life
Michael McDonald Lyrics
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Someone I've needed so long
For once unafraid I can go where life leads me
And somehow I know I'll be strong
For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Someone warm like you
For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it's hurt me before
For once I've got someone I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore
For once I can say: "this is mine you can't take it"
As long as I've got love I know I can make it
For once in my life I've got someone who needs me
Someone who needs me, someone who needs me
For once in my life
For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it's hurt me before
For once I've got someone I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore
Now, for once I can say: "this is mine you can't take it"
As long as I've got love I know I can make it
For once in my life I've got someone who needs me
For once in my life, someone who needs me
For once in my life, someone who needs me
For once in my life, someone who needs me
[x4]
Someone who needs me
For once in my life, someone who needs me
The lyrics of Michael McDonald's song "For Once In My Life" speak of the singer's newfound sense of security and confidence after finding someone who truly loves him. He expresses gratitude for finally having a person who not only needs him but someone who he has needed for a long time. McDonald sings about his newfound bravery in facing whatever life has in store for him because he now has someone to rely on. He recalls how he used to dream of having someone warm and loving in his life to make his dreams a reality. With this person beside him, he is no longer afraid of being hurt by sorrow because he knows he is not alone anymore.
The song's lyrics remind listeners that having someone who needs and loves us unconditionally can be transformative. It uplifts and empowers individuals, granting them the courage to take on life's challenges without fear. The song's inspirational message resonates deeply and is a testament to the power of love in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Finally, in my life, there is someone who depends on me and cares for me.
Someone I've needed so long
This person is someone I have been seeking for a long time.
For once unafraid I can go where life leads me
I no longer fear what may come with life because I have this person to support me.
And somehow I know I'll be strong
Their presence in my life gives me the strength to face any challenge.
For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
I can finally achieve what I once only dreamed of having.
Long before I knew someone warm like you could make my dreams come true
I never imagined that someone as loving as you could turn those dreams into a reality.
For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
I am determined to not let my past pains and sorrows affect me anymore.
Not like it's hurt me before
I refuse to let sorrow bring me down like it has in the past.
For once I've got someone I know won't desert me
I have found someone that I am certain will not abandon me.
I'm not alone anymore
I'm no longer lonely with this person by my side.
For once I can say: "this is mine you can't take it"
I finally have something that belongs to me that cannot be taken away.
As long as I've got love I know I can make it
I am confident that with this person's love and support, I can overcome any obstacle.
For once in my life I've got someone who needs me
I have finally found someone who genuinely requires me in their life.
Someone who needs me, someone who needs me, someone who needs me
This person needs me in a way that no one else ever has. And that alone is meaningful and fulfilling.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ronald N Miller, Orland Murden
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind