I diffidently attended a concert a few days ago.  That would be a first for me.  I have laid down the purchase price for many concert tickets over the years.  Most were expensive, but an experience which I eagerly anticipated.  Often the opportunity to see and hear an artist perform live, to feel the presence of their personality in their demeanor, the intonation of their voice, far surpasses the studio renditions of their work which I’ve enjoyed.

I was well aware that Michael McDonald was a lyric-smith of high regard, one who had written and performed for Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers Bands.  He has won five Grammy Awards.  Well, so what?  The facts alone are never emotionally compelling.  I find a few of the Doobie Brothers hits not unpleasant.  That is a pretty low bar for any rock tune.  Often I have “fallen in love” with the lyric and tune of a song and want to buy the CD.  I do not own a Doobie Brothers CD.

So I accompanied my wife and our good friend and relative Shela to hear Michael McDonald.  The more I listened, the more I was captivated by McDonald’s musicianship, and soulful vocals.  This one, a Christmas composition captured my heart.  Enjoy!

Peace

I have come from so far away
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
And now it’s your grace I seek

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