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.
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
I'll be home, I'll be home
If only in my dreams
I'll be home, I'll be home
If only in my dreams
I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Even more than I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
I'll be home, I'll be home
If only in my dreams
The lyrics of Michael McDonald's song "I'll Be Home For Christmas" express a heartfelt sentiment of longing and yearning for a place of comfort and love, especially during the Christmas holiday season. The opening lines of the song signify a promise by the singer to be home for Christmas, as it is a significant event in which the singer wants to participate. The singer assures the listener that they can count on them, and requests for the presence of snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree, which are indicative of the holiday season.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that despite the long road back, they dream of a place they love more than usual. It is a place where they feel the presence of love and comfort, which is significant enough for them to promise that they will be home for Christmas. The repetition of the phrase "If only in my dreams" signifies that they really want to be there but accept the possibility that they may not be able to make it. The song ends with the singer reiterating that they will be home, even if it is only in their dreams, as they hold on to the hope of being with their loved ones.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a universal emotion of wanting to be with loved ones during the Christmas holiday season. The song's message is not just relevant for those who may not be able to physically be home for Christmas, but also for people who long for the warmth and love that the holiday brings.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be home for Christmas
I will make it home in time for Christmas
You can count on me
You can trust and rely on me to be there
Please have snow and mistletoe
I hope it's a winter wonderland with decorations
And presents under the tree
I hope there are gifts waiting for me
Christmas eve will find me
I will be there on Christmas Eve
Where the love light gleams
In a place filled with love and happiness
If only in my dreams
Even if I can only make it in my dreams
I'm dreaming tonight of a place I love
Thinking of a place that is dear to me
Even more than I usually do
With more longing and desire than usual
And although I know it's a long road back
I know it will take time to return
I promise you
I assure you and give my word
I'll be home, I'll be home
I will return home
If only in my dreams
Even if it's only possible in my dreams
Contributed by Liliana F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Terri Kesler
As a former active duty Marine, this song is so memorable. ❤️
trod1972
My husband was assigned to a Navy ship as a Marine. At the holidays this song helped him as he looked over the ocean feeling alone and small❤ Semper Fi
Nic De
I play this every Christmas season and at random points throughout the year. I live in the house that my grandparents raised my dad in. It's a joy but sometimes painful, but it's home. This song helps me to remember the good times I had with them. Miss them so much. Praying for all who have endured losses of any kind for any reason.
Rebecca Gliserman
Oh I hear you. Me too. 💚🧡
Kenny Loggins has such heart. Such a loving man.
gregory knudson
Nice! 😢
Brian Bogan
You're not alone , I totally get your point
carolyn griffin
I love this song…sad but uplifting at the same time. Kenny Is a beautiful human being. I saw him at the first celebration of Martin Luther King holiday in Atlanta. He gave me a new hope for man kind… we can live together as one race…the human race
Christian Ramirez
@TjBoux Johnson you should know, it's not a Christmas song.
Jorgen Platner
This song is an underrated Christmas song. Not sure why it doesn't get more airplay!
Commonwealth
They've really been playing it this year here and don't I remember it before this year. What a hidden treasure.