(Michael McDonald & Ed Sanford)
Who are you
Are you someone that I knew
Or did you come and go inside a dream
Well, you look the same
Even though you say you've changed
You can't hide the shame of a guilty heart
[Chorus:]
Well, I know there's a reason love don't always rhyme
So you think by leavin' you're not wasting precious time
Love's not always happiness
Sad, but it's true, girl
Every fool's got to learn he's got nothing to lose
Playin' by the rules
What's your plan
Will you try just one more man
And trade a thrill that's gone for a brand new start
Will you love him only
Until you leave him lonely
When he tries to change and tame your restless heart
[Chorus]
When are you gonna learn
That a love is earned
Sometimes you got to fight
But, oh, baby-that's all right
Michael McDonald - If That's What It Takes Album Lyrics
Michael McDonald - If That's What It Takes Lyrics
Writer: ED SANFORD, MIKE H. MCDONALD
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
I Keep Forgettin
What I like about you
Romantics
hey, uh huh huh
hey, uh huh huh
what I like about you, you hold me tight
tell me I'm the only one, wanna' come over tonight, yea
== 1: ==
you're whispering in my ear
tell me all the things that I wanna' to hear, 'cause that's true
that's what I like
that's what I like
what I like about you, you really know how to dance
when you go up, down, jump around, think about true romance, yea
== 1 == (with "that's what I like about you")
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
wahh!
== Guitar ==
hey!
== Harmonica solo ==
what I like about you, you keep me warm at night
never wanna' let you go, know you make me feel alright, yea
== 1 == (with "that's what I like about you")
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you (whispered)
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
hey, uh huh huh, hey hey hey
hey, uh huh huh, brrr
hey, uh huh huh, hey
Romantics
hey, uh huh huh
hey, uh huh huh
what I like about you, you hold me tight
tell me I'm the only one, wanna' come over tonight, yea
== 1: ==
you're whispering in my ear
tell me all the things that I wanna' to hear, 'cause that's true
that's what I like
that's what I like
what I like about you, you really know how to dance
when you go up, down, jump around, think about true romance, yea
== 1 == (with "that's what I like about you")
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
wahh!
== Guitar ==
hey!
== Harmonica solo ==
what I like about you, you keep me warm at night
never wanna' let you go, know you make me feel alright, yea
== 1 == (with "that's what I like about you")
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you (whispered)
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
that's what I like about you
hey, uh huh huh, hey hey hey
hey, uh huh huh, brrr
hey, uh huh huh, hey
Writer: JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Love Lies
(Michael McDonald And Randy Goodrum)
What's that lyin' on her pillow
Folded up so neat
What once was love is now a letter
Lying where she used to sleep
Oh, I thought love was something I could count on
But it took her to show me that
[Chorus:]
Love lies-right to your face
Love lies-just when I had faith
It would let me down
I know that love lies-right to the end
Love lies-I know the word will never mean the same to me
What's this emptiness inside me
Where her promise used to be
She said she'd be here to guide me
I guess now the joke's on me
Oh, I thought love was something like devotion
But it took her to show me that
[Chorus]
Just when you think you know what love is about
Someone takes your place, and you find that
[Chorus]
What's that lyin' on her pillow
Folded up so neat
What once was love is now a letter
Lying where she used to sleep
Oh, I thought love was something I could count on
But it took her to show me that
[Chorus:]
Love lies-right to your face
Love lies-just when I had faith
It would let me down
I know that love lies-right to the end
Love lies-I know the word will never mean the same to me
What's this emptiness inside me
Where her promise used to be
She said she'd be here to guide me
I guess now the joke's on me
Oh, I thought love was something like devotion
But it took her to show me that
[Chorus]
Just when you think you know what love is about
Someone takes your place, and you find that
[Chorus]
Writer: CARL SIGMAN, JOSEPH MEYER, RALPH FREED
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
I Gotta Try
Maybe it's true what they say about it
Maybe we can't make the ends meet
Maybe we'll all have to do without it
Maybe this world's just incomplete
Still we all look for the truth in our lives
Searching from different sides
So hard living in a desperate world
But we all do the best that we can
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
But all of them live their lives under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight, well I say I gotta try
Maybe there's too much to think about it
Maybe there ain't nothin' left to say
But if our time's really runnin' out
Then this is no time to run away
'cause we're destined to look for the truth in this life
Blinded by tearful eyes
If it's no use tryin' in a desperate world
Then tell me why was I born
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
But all of them live their lives under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight, but I say I gotta try
Lonely-living too lonely
Is it too late
To turn it all around
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
But all of them live their lives under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight, but I say I gotta try
Someone's tryin'
Someone's cryin' out
While we live under the gun
Someone's livin'
Someone's givin' up
Maybe we can't make the ends meet
Maybe we'll all have to do without it
Maybe this world's just incomplete
Still we all look for the truth in our lives
Searching from different sides
So hard living in a desperate world
But we all do the best that we can
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
But all of them live their lives under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight, well I say I gotta try
Maybe there's too much to think about it
Maybe there ain't nothin' left to say
But if our time's really runnin' out
Then this is no time to run away
'cause we're destined to look for the truth in this life
Blinded by tearful eyes
If it's no use tryin' in a desperate world
Then tell me why was I born
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
But all of them live their lives under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight, but I say I gotta try
Lonely-living too lonely
Is it too late
To turn it all around
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
But all of them live their lives under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight, but I say I gotta try
Someone's tryin'
Someone's cryin' out
While we live under the gun
Someone's livin'
Someone's givin' up
Writer: Kenneth Clark Loggins, Michael H. McDonald
Copyright: Lyrics © Gnossos Music / Milk Money Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Gnossos Music / Milk Money Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
I Can Let Go Now
(Michael McDonald)
It was so right, it was so wrong
Almost at the same time
The pain and ache a heart can take
No one really knows
When the memories cling and keep you there
Till you no longer care
And you can let go now
It's wrong for me to cling to you
Somehow I just needed time
From what was to be-it's not like me
To hold somebody down
But I was tossed high by love
I almost never came down
Only to land here
Where love's no longer found
Where I'm no longer bound
And I can let go now
It was so right, it was so wrong
Almost at the same time
The pain and ache a heart can take
No one really knows
When the memories cling and keep you there
Till you no longer care
And you can let go now
It's wrong for me to cling to you
Somehow I just needed time
From what was to be-it's not like me
To hold somebody down
But I was tossed high by love
I almost never came down
Only to land here
Where love's no longer found
Where I'm no longer bound
And I can let go now
Writer: DAVID PACK, DAVID ROBERT PACK
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Thats Why
(Michael McDonald & Randy Goodrum)
Look back loneliness, you won't see me behind you
Hey now emptiness, no more leading the way
Go on desperateness, I don't need you beside me no more
Come on happiness, I can feel you gaining ground
Hey now foolishness, I might keep you around
Go on emptiness, I won't look behind me no more
I don't rule you out, I know you're there
But I'm on to you now
[Chorus:]
That's why, I won't be down very long
That's why, I'll be all right from now on
That's why, I get stronger everytime
That's why, I know this heart will survive
After you're gone
You know I believe all we really have is time
No use worrying, no use wondering why
'cause through it all, we're only here to laugh and cry
It's meant to be that failure only brings another way
Every heartache always has another day
Come on loneliness, I don't need to hide you no more
I don't rule you out, I know you're there
But I'm on to you now
[Chorus]
Look back loneliness, you won't see me behind you
Hey now emptiness, no more leading the way
Go on desperateness, I don't need you beside me no more
Come on happiness, I can feel you gaining ground
Hey now foolishness, I might keep you around
Go on emptiness, I won't look behind me no more
I don't rule you out, I know you're there
But I'm on to you now
[Chorus:]
That's why, I won't be down very long
That's why, I'll be all right from now on
That's why, I get stronger everytime
That's why, I know this heart will survive
After you're gone
You know I believe all we really have is time
No use worrying, no use wondering why
'cause through it all, we're only here to laugh and cry
It's meant to be that failure only brings another way
Every heartache always has another day
Come on loneliness, I don't need to hide you no more
I don't rule you out, I know you're there
But I'm on to you now
[Chorus]
Writer: MICHAEL H. MC DONALD, RANDY GOODRUM
Copyright: Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
If Thats What It Takes
How do I please you
How do I please you
How do I please you
How do I please you
Girl, in your one way heart
In your one track mind
How do I please you
How do I please you
Oh, when I say that you're the only one
I'm not tryin' to fool you, baby
Well, I'm only here to get the job done
'Cause you're so used to getting what you want
Well, look no further, baby
[Chorus:]
If that's what it takes
I don't need to know anymore
Ain't no doubt about it
That's what I came here for
So how do I please you
How do I please you
Girl, in your one way heart
In your one track mind
How do I please you
How do I please you
Well, I don't know much about the life you lead
But it ain't enough just to offer my heart
Girl, I know I could get you what you need
'Cause you're so use to getting what you want
Well, look no further, baby
[Chorus:]
If that's what it takes
I ain't gonna lose any time
Whatever you want from me, baby
Whatever it takes to make you mine
How do I please you
How do I please you
How do I please you
Girl, in your one way heart
In your one track mind
How do I please you
How do I please you
Oh, when I say that you're the only one
I'm not tryin' to fool you, baby
Well, I'm only here to get the job done
'Cause you're so used to getting what you want
Well, look no further, baby
[Chorus:]
If that's what it takes
I don't need to know anymore
Ain't no doubt about it
That's what I came here for
So how do I please you
How do I please you
Girl, in your one way heart
In your one track mind
How do I please you
How do I please you
Well, I don't know much about the life you lead
But it ain't enough just to offer my heart
Girl, I know I could get you what you need
'Cause you're so use to getting what you want
Well, look no further, baby
[Chorus:]
If that's what it takes
I ain't gonna lose any time
Whatever you want from me, baby
Whatever it takes to make you mine
Writer: Jackie Shannon, Michael H Mcdonald
Copyright: Lyrics © PLAIN AND SIMPLE MUSIC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © PLAIN AND SIMPLE MUSIC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
No Such Luck
(Michael McDonald/Grady Walker/Harry Garfield)
If we could dream our lives away
That would be just fine
Without the cares and fears that prey on everybody's mind
Tryin' to get back to a memory
Tryin' to put the flame back in our hearts
As we look back and we see the past
Like it never was
[Chorus:]
'cause it's no such luck
There ain't no such thing
Can't blame the stars or fever of spring
No such luck
There ain't no such thing
Something's always goin' wrong
We're just one step ahead of the heartaches|
Tryin' to disguise how they take their toll
Just when you think that you got it down
Then you lose control
[Chorus]
If we could dream our lives away
That would be just fine
Without the cares and fears that prey on everybody's mind
Tryin' to get back to a memory
Tryin' to put the flame back in our hearts
As we look back and we see the past
Like it never was
[Chorus:]
'cause it's no such luck
There ain't no such thing
Can't blame the stars or fever of spring
No such luck
There ain't no such thing
Something's always goin' wrong
We're just one step ahead of the heartaches|
Tryin' to disguise how they take their toll
Just when you think that you got it down
Then you lose control
[Chorus]
Writer: GRADY DUANE WALKER, HARRY ASHER GARFIELD, MICHAEL H. MC DONALD
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Losin End
(Michael McDonald)
There aren't enough words to say
When all I mean is I no longer love you
I'd like to leave it lie right there
'cause the rest ain't kind
I'm picking up my pride and I'll be on my way
If you no longer need me
I only have a word or two that I care to say
If you should ever find your spirit breaking
Girl, when your heart is aching
Remember me, I was your fool
For really quite a long time
So I know how it feels to play
On the losin' end
When you finally turn and find no one around
To catch you when you're falling
To hear you when you're calling
From down on the losin' end
Oh, ain't it just the losin' end
There aren't enough words to say
When all I mean is I no longer love you
I'd like to leave it lie right there
'cause the rest ain't kind
I'm picking up my pride and I'll be on my way
If you no longer need me
I only have a word or two that I care to say
If you should ever find your spirit breaking
Girl, when your heart is aching
Remember me, I was your fool
For really quite a long time
So I know how it feels to play
On the losin' end
When you finally turn and find no one around
To catch you when you're falling
To hear you when you're calling
From down on the losin' end
Oh, ain't it just the losin' end
Writer: MIKE H. MCDONALD
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Believe In It
(Michael McDonald)
It's hard to bet your life on love
When all we learn is how to keep on moving
And the odds are never good enough
For all we know, nothing lasts forever in this life
Show me one thing that will never fade away
What goes with the fall, returns with the spring
This whole world is made that way
Who's to know if love will stay
[Chorus:]
But there's nothing quite like this
That I've ever known
And I believe in it
There's no way out of it
I can't let go
Because I believe in it
We second guess the things we see
When all too soon you know time will show
If love was never meant to be
Then we can't hide before too long
We'll know if it was right
Show me one thing that will never fade away
What goes with the fall, returns with the spring
This whole world is made that way
Who's to know if love will stay
It's hard to bet your life on love
When all we learn is how to keep on moving
And the odds are never good enough
For all we know, nothing lasts forever in this life
Show me one thing that will never fade away
What goes with the fall, returns with the spring
This whole world is made that way
Who's to know if love will stay
[Chorus:]
But there's nothing quite like this
That I've ever known
And I believe in it
There's no way out of it
I can't let go
Because I believe in it
We second guess the things we see
When all too soon you know time will show
If love was never meant to be
Then we can't hide before too long
We'll know if it was right
Show me one thing that will never fade away
What goes with the fall, returns with the spring
This whole world is made that way
Who's to know if love will stay
Writer: BENITO BENITES, JOHN VIRGO GARRETT III, DURRON MAURICE BUTLER, THEA AUSTIN
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
If That's What It Takes is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Michael McDonald. The album was released in August 1982 and peaked at #6 on Billboard 200, while singles "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and "I Gotta Try" went to #4 and #44 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively.
Performed By:
Michael McDonaldGenre(s): Pop, rock, funk, blue-eyed soul
Producer(s): Ted Templeman, Lenny Waronker
Length: 39:59
Released: August 3rd, 1982
Year: 1982