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.
On This Night
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A light will shine brightly
That all men might know
The meaning of mercy and of
Love beyond all love
The peace that rests the soul
The heart will open
And search no more
[Chorus]
Behold I bring you tidings
Tidings of great joy
The world has found it's answer
In a child that's born
On this night
Sing out across the seas
Cry out from the mountains
The son of man is born
So sing of his mercy and his
Peace beyond all peace
The king of kings has come
(Let) every heart surrender
Every soul reborn
[Chorus]
The lyrics to the song "On This Night" by Michael McDonald are powerful and thought-provoking. The opening lines introduce a world that lacks hope, but a light will shine to provide mercy, love beyond all love, and peace to the soul. The lyrics suggest that people will find what they need and no longer have to search. The chorus brings a message of great joy, declaring that the world has found its answer in a child that's born on this night. It is a call to sing out and cry out, sharing the news that the son of man is born, bringing mercy and peace beyond all peace. The lyrics ultimately aim to evoke the idea of surrendering one's heart and being reborn in the hope that the child's arrival brings.
Throughout the song, Michael McDonald uses religious imagery to convey his message of hope and joy, relating it to the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics highlight that this momentous occasion is significant for those who are seeking a new beginning as it signals the arrival of the king of kings, bringing with him the mercy and peace that people need. On the whole, the song is a message of optimism, hope and joy amidst the difficulties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
In a world of no hope
Despite the absence of hope, there is still a chance for redemption and salvation.
A light will shine brightly
A beacon of hope will guide those who are lost and searching for meaning.
That all men might know
The knowledge of this hope is available to everyone, regardless of gender or status.
The meaning of mercy and of
This hope emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness.
Love beyond all love
The source of this hope is a love that surpasses all other emotions and motivations.
The peace that rests the soul
This hope brings an inner peace and serenity that cannot be found elsewhere.
The heart will open
Through this hope, people will become more receptive to love and compassion.
And search no more
Once people find this hope, they will no longer feel lost or alone.
Behold I bring you tidings
Listen carefully, for I have important news to share.
Tidings of great joy
This news brings immense happiness and hope.
The world has found it's answer
The solution to all of the world's problems has been revealed.
In a child that's born
This hope is embodied in the form of a newborn child.
On this night
This hope was born on a specific evening in history.
Sing out across the seas
This news is so important that it should be proclaimed loudly and far and wide.
Cry out from the mountains
Even the most remote and inaccessible places should be reached with this message.
The son of man is born
This news pertains to the birth of the savior of humankind.
So sing of his mercy and his
Rejoice and celebrate the compassion and kindness that the savior embodies.
Peace beyond all peace
This hope brings a tranquility and harmony that is beyond anything people have experienced before.
The king of kings has come
The ruler of all rulers has arrived.
Every heart surrender
People must open themselves to this hope and relinquish their fear and doubt.
Every soul reborn
Through this hope, people can experience a spiritual renewal and a fresh start.
Behold I bring you tidings
This is such important news that it bears repeating and emphasizing.
Tidings of great joy
This message contains boundless happiness and hope for all humankind.
The world has found it's answer
The solution to all of humanity's problems has been revealed in the form of this hope.
In a child that's born
This hope is not some abstract concept, but is embodied in the form of a tiny, vulnerable newborn.
On this night
This momentous event occurred on a specific night in history, which should never be forgotten.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BERNIE VINCENT CHIARAVALLE, MICHAEL H. MC DONALD, MARC HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind