We are proud to be share these remarkable recordings from a unique singer-songwriter. Bird and Apple Records will be releasing more songs from the collection over the coming months.
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Scroll down to read the lyrics.
“Shine” is the first song to be released from a cache of songs Michael recorded between 2005 and 2007 with co-producer Robin Frederick. They set out with the goal of capturing the intensity and immediacy of Michael’s solo performances as faithfully as possible—complete takes, no frills, just the power and breadth of his songs and voice.
The version of “Shine” was recorded on March 21, 2007. Scroll down to read the complete lyric.
NOTES
Some of Michael’s strongest songs revolve around his feelings about the past. “Damaged” and “Beautiful” both express his anger about the abuse he suffered as a child. In “Shine,” he pinpoints the moment he turned his back on the past and began reaching for a better future.
Never knew a moment of peace…
beneath my daddy’s roof.
Soon as i was able… got up from his table…
and made my way to you.
Is “you” the future he will find? Is it the bright lights of Los Angeles where he goes looking for a life in music? Whatever it is, it will light him in its spotlight glow for all to see. And he will give back the best and brightest he has to offer.
I want you to SHINE…
everyday!
I want you to SHINE… on me…
in every way!
And the day you do… will be the day…
i SHINE on you!
In this luminescent place, he can take deep, cleansing breaths of sweet air and find renewal in the waters of an ever-flowing river. The description is almost biblical with its nod baptism into a new life.
Now i know there’s a river…
where the water still flows deep…
rolls on down from a hillside…
and the air is so pure and sweet.
The force of his driving guitar groove propels this song forward into an instrumental break that makes you want to shout “amen”! The gospel/soul vibe is unmistakable.
LYRICS
SHINE. (Michael Doman)
(Copied from Michael’s file as is.)
i… i’ve been a traveller…
rollin’ on my own.
i don’t beg… never learned how to borrow…
and i’m three-thousand miles from home.
Never knew a moment of peace…
beneath my daddy’s roof.
Soon as i was able… got up from his table…
and made my way to you.
Chorus:
I want you to SHINE…
everyday!
I want you to SHINE… on me…
in every way!
And the day you do… will be the day…
i SHINE on you!
Now i know it’s true… got no room with a view…
i don’t need one to know where i’m at.
what’s gone is gone… time just marches on…
don’t let it march up your back.
Now i know there’s a river…
where the water still flows deep…
it rolls on down from a hillside…
and the air is so pure and sweet.
Chorus:
————————– break.
Now i know there’s a river…
where the water still flows deep…
rolls on down from a hillside…
and the air is so pure and sweet.
Chorus: