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.
Searchin' for Understanding
Michael McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So far away but not so out of mind
And you're still waiting to be forgiven
Whose problem is it after all this time
Down deep inside, if I were in your shoes
I know in my heart, I'd never do that to you
It's time to decide, if I still want to try
If love's gonna last, there's one thing I gotta find
I'm lookin' for understanding
I'm sorry that my feelings are still so tender
The things they make me do, and make me say
I know in time that all things get better
But 'til then this may be the price you have to pay
Down deep inside, if I were in your shoes
I know in my heart, I'd never do that to you
It's time to decide, what we're gonna do
If love's gonna last, there's something I need from you
So easily trust can be broken
Not so when a heart's got to mend
Your love was the one thing I believed in
Will it ever be the same again
In "Searchin' for Understanding," Michael McDonald addresses the issue of forgiveness in a broken relationship. The song begins with a recognition of how long ago the incident occurred, but at the same time, the memory is still very much present. McDonald suggests that there is still a question of forgiveness lingering, but it is not clear whose problem it is to solve. The song then shifts to a more reflective tone, as McDonald puts himself in his partner's shoes and acknowledges the pain that they must be feeling. He contemplates whether he would ever do something similar to them, and acknowledges that he needs to figure out whether love can last without understanding.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm searchin' for understanding" as McDonald grapples with the idea that love may not be enough to sustain a relationship without deeper understanding and forgiveness. He reflects on his own feelings and thoughts, saying that he is sorry that his feelings are still so tender and that the situation makes him do and say things he may not mean. Ultimately, he asks whether their love will ever be the same again.
Overall, "Searchin' for Understanding" is a heartfelt reflection on the complexities of love and forgiveness. McDonald sings with vulnerability and honesty, inviting listeners to join him in the quest for understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
So long ago that you can hardly remember
It's been a long time since it happened, so long that it's almost impossible to remember it.
So far away but not so out of mind
Although it happened a long time ago, it's still fresh in your mind.
And you're still waiting to be forgiven
You're still hoping to be forgiven for what happened.
Whose problem is it after all this time
After so much time has passed, it's unclear whose problem it is to fix.
Down deep inside, if I were in your shoes
If I were in your position, where you were hurt by someone, I would never do the same.
I know in my heart, I'd never do that to you
I know deep down that I could never hurt you like you've been hurt before.
It's time to decide, if I still want to try
It's time to think about whether I still want to keep trying to fix this situation.
If love's gonna last, there's one thing I gotta find
For love to last, there's something I need to discover or figure out.
I'm searchin' for understanding
I'm trying to find clarity and comprehension about what happened and how to move forward.
I'm lookin' for understanding
I'm searching for a better understanding of the situation.
I'm sorry that my feelings are still so tender
I apologize for still being emotionally sensitive about the situation.
The things they make me do, and make me say
I'm doing and saying things because of the harm that was caused to me in the past.
I know in time that all things get better
I'm aware that, given enough time, all wounds can heal and situations can improve.
But 'til then this may be the price you have to pay
Until then, the only option may be for you to bear the consequences caused by what happened.
It's time to decide, what we're gonna do
We need to figure out what our next steps are going to be.
If love's gonna last, there's something I need from you
For our love to endure, there's something that you need to do or give.
So easily trust can be broken
Trust can be broken very easily and quickly.
Not so when a heart's got to mend
It's not so easy to trust again when a heart is trying to heal.
Your love was the one thing I believed in
I had complete faith and trust in your love and commitment.
Will it ever be the same again
I'm not sure if things can ever return to the way that they were before.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DARRELL R. BROWN, MICHAEL H. MCDONALD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel Hines
Incredible track, from an incredible album
Groove Master
u never hear musicians laying down a groove like this anymore...this is all feel...very mature playing here...its so easy its hard
Jay Davis
I think that this could have been a "hit" for him!! One of my favorite songs from him, and he has a lot of great songs throughout his career!
Between the Lines
Thank you, this is music for the soul......I was lucky to get him sign mine at the BBkings Blues in New York City and the house was rocking......
Groove Master
love this record...so much soul and porcaro nails the grooves as usual...bass is magic as well///deep fat grooves...landau just makes for the perfect band here
Anton Gille
The instruments are crazy on this one!
MrSixxshooter
Mikes voice was so in tune on this record . Just really at hi strongest voice wise . Absolutely awesome song !
J B
great song ,great voice just find a great road and drive.
lukather39
Great, great, great song.
Michael Tsung
damn right