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.
Peace
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down the road of my own mistakes
In the hope you could hear me pray
Oh lord, keep me in your reach
How I've longed through these wasted years
To outrun all the pain and fear
Turned to stone from my uncried tears
Love won't compromise
It's a gift, it's a sacrifice
My soul renewed, and my heart released
In you I'll find my peace
Wondrous child of whom the angels sing
Know my joy, feel my suffering
Shining star make this love you bring
So bright that I may believe
That my way will not be lost
From now on, 'til that river's crossed
My soul renewed, and my spirit free
In you I'll find my peace
In Michael McDonald's song "Peace," the lyrics speak of resilience, hope, and finding peace in the midst of life's trials and tribulations. The song starts with the lyrics "I have come from so far away" which signifies a journey or a struggle the singer has undergone to reach a state of peace. The reference to "the road of my own mistakes" speaks to the singer's past regrets and errors that have led to difficulties they experience today. The repetition of the plea, "oh lord, keep me in your reach," highlights the singer's desperation for spiritual guidance in a tumultuous life.
The lyrics then go on to describe the pain and fear that the singer has faced, and how they have become "turned to stone" from "uncried tears." The seeking of grace from a higher power is made evident, indicating a deeper longing for hope and healing.
The chorus of the song encapsulates the idea that love requires a gift and sacrifice. It resurrects new life within the singer's soul and frees the heart, ultimately leading the singer to find peace. Through the words, "In you I'll find my peace" the continuous theme of seeking solace in a higher power echoes.
The song moves to its end with a reference to Christ's birth as the "wondrous child of whom the angels sing." This reference signifies the singer submitting to faith and acknowledging that Christ too had to bear suffering. The song is a representation of finding peace within spiritual questioning and discovering profound meaning in the sacrifices of those who came before.
Line by Line Meaning
I have come from so far away
I have traveled a great distance, both physically and emotionally.
Down the road of my own mistakes
I have made many mistakes in life and have experienced the resulting consequences.
In the hope you could hear me pray
I am hoping that my prayers will be heard by a higher power or deity.
Oh lord, keep me in your reach
I am asking for protection and guidance from a higher power or deity.
How I've longed through these wasted years
I have spent a lot of time yearning for things that were ultimately unfulfilling or not worthwhile.
To outrun all the pain and fear
I have tried to avoid the negative emotions that come with traumatic experiences.
Turned to stone from my uncried tears
I have suppressed my emotions for so long that they seem to have hardened and become difficult to express.
And now it's your grace I seek
I am now seeking the grace and mercy of a higher power or deity to help me navigate my struggles and find peace.
Love won't compromise
Love is unwavering and cannot be bargained or negotiated in any way.
It's a gift, it's a sacrifice
Love is both something that is given freely and requires sacrificing one's own desires or needs at times.
My soul renewed, and my heart released
My spirit and emotions have been revitalized and unburdened.
In you I'll find my peace
I believe that I can find inner tranquility and calmness through my connection with a higher power or deity.
Wondrous child of whom the angels sing
I am addressing a holy or divine figure who is celebrated and revered by heavenly beings.
Know my joy, feel my suffering
I am asking this holy or divine figure to recognize the good times and struggles that I've experienced.
Shining star make this love you bring
I am calling upon this holy or divine figure to maintain their love and grace towards me.
So bright that I may believe
I am requesting that this holy or divine figure's light be so potent that it overcomes any doubt or skepticism I have.
That my way will not be lost
I am seeking guidance and assurance that my path in life will not veer off course.
From now on, 'til that river's crossed
I am hoping to maintain this connection with a higher power or deity for the foreseeable future.
My soul renewed, and my spirit free
I believe that my soul and spirit have been revitalized and freed from past struggles.
In you I'll find my peace
I believe that my connection with a higher power or deity is the source of my inner tranquility and calmness.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., KAREN SCHAUBEN PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION
Written by: Beth Nielsen Chapman, Michael H. Mc Donald
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind