Michael McDonald’s Music Through the Lens of Tarot

Exploring Michael McDonald’s Music Through the Lens of Tarot

The voice of Michael McDonald is one of the most recognizable in the recording industry.  Michael McDonald’s musical style is a fusion of soulful vocals, smooth rock, and blue-eyed soul. His work is rich in emotional depth, making it a compelling subject for Tarot interpretation. Let’s explore how McDonald’s music aligns with key themes in the Tarot.

The Essence of Emotional Delivery: The Cups Suit

McDonald’s voice carries a profound emotional weight.  Reflecting the themes of the Cups suit in Tarot—love, relationships, intuition, and emotional depth. His ability to convey vulnerability and authenticity resonates deeply with this suit’s symbolism.

The King of Cups: Emotional Mastery

McDonald’s controlled yet expressive vocal style mirrors the King of Cups, who represents emotional wisdom, balance, and compassion. His ability to express deep feelings without melodrama exemplifies this card’s energy.

Songs and Their Tarot Connections

Doobie Brothers Era:

• “What a Fool Believes” – Themes of illusion and misinterpretation align with the Moon card and reversed Two of Cups.
• “Minute by Minute” – The song’s tension and anxiety connect to the Nine of Swords (worry, fear, mental anguish).
• “Takin’ It to the Streets” – A call for unity and action, aligning with the Seven of Cups (choices, directions) and The World (completion, unity).
• “You Belong to Me” – Depending on interpretation, this song connects to the Cups suit’s themes of devotion or obsession.
• “It Keeps You Runnin'” – A restless pursuit, linked to the Eight of Wands (movement, action) or anxious elements of the Swords suit.

Favorites of Many:

• “I Keep Forgettin'” – A quintessential Cups suit song, filled with vulnerability and longing.
• “On My Own” (with Patti LaBelle) – A poignant reflection on heartbreak and separation, aligning with the Four of Swords (solitude, healing), Three of Swords (heartbreak), and the reversed Two of Cups (broken emotional bonds).
• “This Is It” (with Kenny Loggins) – Seizing the moment aligns with the Wheel of Fortune (cycles, opportunities) or Eight of Wands (swift action).
• “Ride Like the Wind” by Christopher Cross (which he does background vocals) – is a song about a journey, both physical and emotional.  The Chariot (movement, direction, and the drive to achieve a goal).  The Eight of Wands (swift movement, change, and transitions) and the fool card (start of a journey, and a leap of faith).

Solo Career of Michael McDonald:

• “Sweet Freedom” – Joyful and liberating, reflecting the Sun card or Ten of Cups (happiness, fulfillment).
• “I Can Let Go Now” – A song about release and acceptance, resonating with the Ten of Swords (endings) or Hanged Man (surrender, letting go).
• “Yah Mo B There” (with James Ingram) – Celebratory energy matching the Three of Cups (joy) or the Sun card.
• “Dreams of the San Joaquin” – Themes of nostalgia and longing connect to the Four of Cups (contemplation) or Six of Cups (memories, nostalgia).
• “Tears To Come” – A song of future emotional pain, deeply tied to the melancholic aspects of the Cups suit.
• “Enemy Within” – A song of introspection and self-examination, connecting with The Devil card (shadow selves, addictive patterns, and facing one’s fears).  The judgement card (self recognition, and inward reflection) and The Moon (Symbolizing illusion, hidden motives, and the subconscious).
• “What the World Needs Now” (Live) – A message of love and compassion, linked to the Two of Cups (harmony, connection) or the High Priestess (intuition, empathy).
• “What’s Going On” (Live) – Social justice themes align with the Justice card (truth, fairness) or the Tower (upheaval, change).
• “Hail Mary” (Mr Jukes Remix) [with Mr Jukes] – A song about seeking help and redemption, resonating with the Hierophant (guidance) or Judgment (awakening, renewal).

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald’s music encapsulates the emotional and intuitive qualities of the Tarot.  Particularly the Cups suit and especially the King of Cups. His songs tell stories of love, loss, and self-reflection.  These songs create a deep and lasting connection with listeners—much like the insights offered by the Tarot.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever felt a Tarot connection in McDonald’s music? Share your insights below!