The Timeless Lyrics of Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin'”
“I Keep Forgettin (Every Time You’re Near)” is a melancholic and reflective song by Michael McDonald that was released in 1982. The song is a soulful, slow-tempo track that delves into themes of heartbreak, loss, and nostalgia. The lyrics of the song express the pain of a broken relationship and the difficulty of accepting that it’s over.
The song opens with the poignant line, “I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore,” which sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The narrator is struggling to come to terms with the fact that the love he once shared with his partner is no longer present. He acknowledges that “things will never be the same again” and that he “keeps forgettin’ how [she] made that so clear.” Despite this, he finds it hard to let go of the past and move on, particularly when she’s around.
The chorus repeats the central theme of the song and adds to it, highlighting the struggle of letting go when faced with memories of the past. The lyrics also address the difficulty of communication when a relationship is over, as the narrator acknowledges that “it’s hard for you to say the things that we both know are true.” This suggests that the relationship ended for reasons that were difficult to express or understand.
As the song progresses, the lyrics express a sense of resignation and acceptance, with the narrator acknowledging that the relationship is truly over. He hears his partner’s words of goodbye, that “you never want to live a lie” and “it’s gone too far,” and realizes that it’s time to move on. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song reinforces this sense of finality.
Overall, “I Keep Forgettin” is a powerful and emotional song that captures the feelings of heartbreak and loss. The lyrics are simple but poignant, with Michael McDonald’s soulful vocals adding to the sense of longing and nostalgia. The song is a testament to the enduring power of love and the difficulty of letting go when it’s over.
About Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald is an American singer-songwriter and musician, born on February 12, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his career in music as a backup singer and keyboardist for the group Steely Dan in the 1970s, before becoming a member of the Doobie Brothers in 1975. He sang lead vocals on many of the Doobie Brothers’ hit songs, including “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “What a Fool Believes,” and “Minute by Minute.” His distinctive, soulful voice and songwriting abilities helped the band achieve a new level of success and popularity.
McDonald left the Doobie Brothers in 1982 to pursue a solo career, releasing his debut album “If That’s What It Takes” the same year. The album featured the hit single “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” which became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. McDonald went on to release a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s, including “No Lookin’ Back,” “Sweet Freedom,” and “Take It to Heart.” He also collaborated with other artists, including James Ingram and Patti LaBelle, and contributed to many film soundtracks.
Over the course of his career, Michael McDonald has won five Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Doobie Brothers. He is known for his soulful, R&B-infused sound and his ability to write and perform songs with emotional depth and resonance. McDonald continues to tour and record music to this day, and his influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists in the R&B, soul, and pop genres.
Watch: Michael McDonald – I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)
Listen now: Michael McDonald – I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)
You may also like:
