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."
*********
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.
Lonely Talk
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn your back on truth, baby
And that's always what you get
'Cause a man could drown in a love so deep, baby
I'm not begging you to stay
It's just lonely talk
You don't hear a word I say
When I'm on my knees and praying
To the Lord above
When He listens to my prayer
He knows that it's just lonely talk
Ooh well, I call your name and I cry all night
Well, it's of no concern to you, baby
Now that I'm out of your sight
From a rainbow's end to my dying day
I'm gonna keep on living this life, baby
Till I get it right
[Incomprehensible] you look so sweet, baby
I'm not begging you to stay
It's just lonely talk
You don't hear a word I say
You just turn and walk, baby
When I'm on my knees and praying
To my Lord above
When He listens to my prayer
Knows it's only lonely talk
When I'm on my knees and praying
To the Lord above
When He listens to my prayer
Knows it's only lonely talk
He knows what's best for me
That it's only lonely talk
Ooh baby, lonely talk
Oh, lonely talk, baby, lonely talk
Oh baby, lonely talk
The song 'Lonely Talk' by Michael McDonald talks about a man who is struggling with the aftermath of a broken relationship. The lyrics show his struggle to cope with the pain of being separated from his loved one by putting up a facade of strength and not asking for their return. The opening lines of the song, "From a promise to a lie, from lies to regret, turn your back on truth, baby, and that's always what you get" refers to the breach of trust in the relationship, leading to regret and ultimately, a split. The man is drowning in his love for her and feels like he's talking to himself because his words seem to fall on deaf ears.
He sings that he prays to the Lord above for the strength to overcome his pain, but it's only lonely talk. The repeated phrase "It's just lonely talk" reinforces the idea that he's alone and struggling with his emotions. He calls out her name and cries all night, but it's of no concern to her as she's out of his sight. The song's final message is one of hope and resilience where the man suggests that he will continue to live life until he gets it right, even if it means living with the memory of what he's lost.
Line by Line Meaning
From a promise to a lie, from lies to regret
Breaking promises leads to lies and eventually regret.
Turn your back on truth, baby
Ignoring the truth will have consequences.
And that's always what you get
The outcome is predictable.
'Cause a man could drown in a love so deep, baby
Being deeply in love can be overwhelming and consuming.
I'm not begging you to stay
I am not pleading for you to remain with me.
It's just lonely talk
I am lonely and talking without any real hope of a response.
You don't hear a word I say
You are not listening to me.
You just turn and walk, baby
You just leave without acknowledging me.
When I'm on my knees and praying
When I am desperately seeking guidance from a higher power.
To the Lord above
To God.
When He listens to my prayer
When my prayers are heard.
He knows that it's just lonely talk
But I am still just talking to myself.
Ooh well, I call your name and I cry all night
I am still in love with you and it is causing me pain.
Well, it's of no concern to you, baby
But you do not care.
Now that I'm out of your sight
Now that we are no longer together.
From a rainbow's end to my dying day
From the joys of life to the end of my life.
I'm gonna keep on living this life, baby
I will continue to live my life despite my sadness.
Till I get it right
Until I find happiness on my own, without you.
[Incomprehensible] you look so sweet, baby
I am still drawn to you despite everything.
He knows what's best for me
God knows what is best for me.
That it's only lonely talk
That my words are the only comfort I have.
Ooh baby, lonely talk
I wish I was not so lonely.
Oh, lonely talk, baby, lonely talk
I am resigned to being alone and talking to myself.
Oh baby, lonely talk
I am consumed by my loneliness.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., KAREN SCHAUBEN PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION
Written by: CHARLES J SABATINO, MICHAEL H MCDONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind