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.
Mercy Mercy Me
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah, things ain't what they used to be.
No, no, where did all the blue skies go,
Poison is the wind that blows
From the north and south and east
Woo mercy, mercy me
Ah things ain't what they used to be, no, no
Our seas fish full of mercury, ah. oh
Ah things ain't what they used to be
What about this over crowded land
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Oh mercy, mercy me.
Ah things ain't what they used to be.
No, no, no, radiation underground and in the sky;
Animals and birds who live near by are dying oh,
Oh mercy, mercy me.
Ah things ain't what they used to be.
No, no, no, radiation underground and in the sky;
Animals and land how much more abuse from man can she stand?
In Michael McDonald's song, Mercy Mercy Me, he speaks about the sadness and disappointment that accompanies the changes in nature because of environmental degradation. He laments the fact that the blue skies have disappeared and been replaced by toxic winds from different directions. The chorus "Woo mercy, mercy me" is a plea or a prayer to the mercy of the world to make things right. He goes on to talk about how the ocean and seas are filled with oil and mercury, which is toxic for fish, and subsequently human beings. Their overcrowded lands and his concerns about how much more abuse the earth can handle is another call for action on environmental conservation.
From the lyrics, it is evident that Michael McDonald is passionate about nature and its conservation. He paints a very vivid picture of a world that was once beautiful and full of life, which is now deeply affected by man's careless attitude. This message is powerful and has a deeper meaning, driving listeners to connect with the song on a personal and emotional level.
Line by Line Meaning
Woo ah mercy, mercy me
Expressing sadness and concern for the current state of the world
Ah, things ain't what they used to be.
Things have changed and not for the better
No, no, where did all the blue skies go,
Questioning the disappearance of clear blue skies
Poison is the wind that blows
The wind carries harmful pollutants
From the north and south and east
Pollution comes from all directions
Woo mercy, mercy me
Reiterating sadness and concern for the state of the world
Oil wasted on the ocean and upon
Oil spills in the ocean causing damage and harm
Our seas fish full of mercury, ah. oh
Fish in the ocean have high levels of harmful mercury
What about this over crowded land
Questioning the sustainability of an overpopulated planet
How much more abuse from man can she stand?
Asking how much more damage the earth can endure from human actions
No, no, no, radiation underground and in the sky;
Concern for harmful radiation in both the ground and atmosphere
Animals and birds who live near by are dying oh,
Wildlife is affected and dying due to the effects of radiation
Oh mercy, mercy me.
Continued expression of sadness and concern for the world
Ah things ain't what they used to be.
Restating that things have changed and not for the better
Animals and land how much more abuse from man can she stand?
Repeating the question of how much more harm the earth can endure from human activity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Morayma Montañez
I can listen to M.Mc for hours...mercy!! His sultry voice enchants my soul!!
mzbabygirl32
Michael McDonald did a wonderful job on this classic!! He has a beautiful strong voice.. Love it
Helen Marshall
Just love Michael singing this song, I have both his Mowtown cds, they are fantastic. Particularly love What's Goin' On, I'm Gonna Make You Love Me, Ain't No Mountain High Enough. He is one of the best ever vocalists for sure,
kaafromoz
Thank-you for posting this fabulous version..he has a fantastic voice and truely did Marvin justice..Great song Great artist..can't miss!
The Stark Knight Returns
One of the best covers of this song ever.
D'Ann Chen
I think Michael did a great job on Marvin Gaye songs. I enjoyed everyone of them. You go Mr. McDonald.
Isaiah Jericho
This has got to be the most soulful delivery of this song ... absolutely gorgeous take on Mercy Mercy Me. Is it wrong that I have it on replay :)
Rebecca Randleman
Isaiah Jericho This is a goodversion but NOBODY will ever make me feel this song like Marvin Gaye.
Feel Lip
This song brings tears to my eyes...Michael's voice touches the soul! I don't care who you are.
Linda Barnes
Michael is great love his singing.