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.
Real Love
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If only just tonight, girl, let me hear you lie just a little
Tell me I'm the only man that you ever really loved
Honey, take me back in my memory place
When it was all very right, so very nice, so very nice
Here, darlin', stands another bandit wanting you
In and out your life, they come and they go
Your days and nights like a wheel that turns
Deep inside your heart, that nobody knows
When you say comfort me to anyone who approaches
Chalkin' up the hurt, you live and you learn
Well, we've both lived long enough to know
That we'd trade it all right now for just one minute of real love, real love
When you say comfort me to anyone who approaches
Chalkin' up the hurt, you live and you learn
Well, we've both lived long enough to know
That we'd trade it all right now for just one minute of real love, real love
The song Real love by Michael McDonald is a beautiful and emotional depiction of the fleeting nature of romantic relationships. The song starts off with the singer admitting that he is just another 'head on the pillow,' a person to whom the girl may not attach any emotional significance. Yet, he can't help but yearn for the physical and emotional reassurance of her love. He implores her to 'lie just a little,' to make him believe that he is indeed the only man she has ever loved, if only for tonight. He wants her to take him back to the memory when everything felt right, and when they felt true love.
The lyrics go on to describe the transient nature of romantic relationships. The girl has had other suitors, and they have come and gone like a revolving door in her life. The days and nights are like a wheel that turns, grinding a secret part of her heart that nobody knows. The singer, in turn, recognizing this, asks her to comfort him, chalk up the hurt, and learn from it. He knows that both of them have lived long enough to know the value of real love, the kind of love that is hard to find and impossible to forget. In the end, all they want is one minute of real love, a moment of true connection that can make everything else worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
Darlin', I know I'm just another head on your pillow
You have many other men in your life and I'm aware that I'm just one of them.
If only just tonight, girl, let me hear you lie just a little
Even if it's just for one night, please tell me that I'm the only person you truly love.
Tell me I'm the only man that you ever really loved
Confirm to me that out of all the men you've had, I'm the only one you've truly loved.
Honey, take me back in my memory place
Take me back to a time when everything between us was perfect.
When it was all very right, so very nice, so very nice
When we were together, everything felt just right and amazing.
Here, darlin', stands another bandit wanting you
I'm just another man in a long line of men who want you.
In and out your life, they come and they go
People come in and out of your life easily and often.
Your days and nights like a wheel that turns
Your life is like a constantly moving wheel, with ups and downs.
Grindin' down a secret part of you
Your life experiences have caused you to hide a part of yourself from others.
Deep inside your heart, that nobody knows
There is a part of yourself that even I don't know, and it remains hidden deep in your heart.
When you say comfort me to anyone who approaches
You seek comfort from anyone who approaches you.
Chalkin' up the hurt, you live and you learn
Despite the pain you've experienced, you've learned to live with it and move forward.
Well, we've both lived long enough to know
Both of us have been alive long enough to understand certain things.
That we'd trade it all right now for just one minute of real love, real love
We've come to realize that all the things we've experienced in life are worth trading for just one moment of genuine, true love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PATRICK HENDERSON, MICHAEL H MC DONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tawna Borden
there will never be another voice on this earth that can even compare to Michael Mcdonald.
Jayne Munday
Absolutely
Tony D
In my opinion, he is one of the most underrated singers of our or any generation. Just a very gifted musician who does nothing but perform his music. Not much flash, just pure art.
Jayne Munday
Totally agree
Penny Tilghman
Spot on!
jerry Lott
When your voice is this good.....when it’s so distinctive.....you can hear him and know instantly who it is......a voice you never tire of
You Tube
Probably the most demanding and vocally difficult song Mike ever wrote-- it's fantastic to find a good live version-- He never ceases to amaze me.
Clint Lacy
I think this performance captured him at the peak of his talent and vocal abilities.
Diane Koopmann
I agree?
Antonio Martin
dam this man can sang, ive been listening to him since i was a kid in the projects.