
In honour of the epic news that The Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald are putting out a new album after 40 years I thought I’d revisit this classic track from 1976.
What do I like about this song?
Well.
EVERYTHING!
The first time I ever heard it was when I watched Forrest Gump. It was part of a montage scene in the film where Forrest runs across America, and it was tucked in among “Running On Empty” by Jackson Browne and “Go Your Own Way” by but just hearing this – the chorus – just hit me. Michael McDonald’s vocal tone is unmistakeable but matched up with the layered close harmony R&B vocals it was just beautiful. That was all it took. I had the soundtrack for the film for a while, I knew about The Doobie Brothers work from “Long Train Running” (Another favourite) but this to me was just next level.
From the beginning of the song when you hear that analogue drum machine and the keyboard being played you know you’re onto something, the bass playing a great run of notes, and guitar coming in with the drums on top..
Wow.
Lyrically it talks about how the writer is trying to convey his love but the recipient is running away from it, and that she’s afraid of being loved possibly because of past hurt and not wanting to be hurt again.
Given the point in the film where this song is used that fits and I must salute Joel Sill for this, he was the music supervisor on the film.
If you’ve never seen Forrest Gump it’s a must watch!