The Doobie Brothers - Takin' It To The Streets

The Doobie Brothers' song "Takin' It To The Streets" is a landmark track that marked a significant shift in the band's musical direction. Released in 1976 as the title track and lead single from their sixth studio album, it was the first song to feature Michael McDonald on lead vocals and keyboards. McDonald, who had previously worked with Steely Dan, joined The Doobie Brothers at a crucial time, bringing a distinct blue-eyed soul and R&B influence that redefined their sound.

Written by Michael McDonald, "Takin' It To The Streets" quickly became a signature song for the band. Its soulful vocals, prominent piano, and socially conscious lyrics about unity and collective action resonated with audiences. The song's success was instrumental in rejuvenating The Doobie Brothers' career, moving them away from their earlier, more guitar-driven rock sound towards a more sophisticated, R&B-infused style. The album itself was a commercial success, and the single performed well on the charts, solidifying McDonald's role as a key songwriter and vocalist within the group.

The introduction of McDonald's songwriting and vocal style, exemplified by "Takin' It To The Streets," led to a string of hits and a new era of success for The Doobie Brothers. The song remains one of their most beloved and recognizable tracks, frequently performed live and celebrated for its powerful message and enduring musical appeal.

The Doobie Brothers - Takin' It To The Streets Lyrics

You don't know me but I'm your brother
I was raised here in this living hell
You don't know my kind in your world
Fairly soon, the time will tell

You, telling me the things
You're gonna do for me
I ain't blind and I don't like
What I think I see

(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it to the streets
(Takin' it to the streets)
No more need for running
(Takin' it to the streets)
Oh, na, na

Take this message to my brother
You will find him everywhere
Wherever people live together
Tied in poverty's despair

Oh, you, telling me the things
You're gonna do for me
I ain't blind and I don't like
What I think I see

(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it to the streets
(Takin' it to the streets)
No more need for running
(Takin' it to the streets)
Oh yeah
(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it, takin' it
(Takin' it to the streets)
No more need for hiding
(Takin' it to the streets)
Oh yeah
(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it to the streets
(Takin' it to the)

Oh, you, telling me the things
You're gonna do for me, yeah, yeah
I ain't blind and I don't like
What I think I see

(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it to the streets
(Takin' it to the streets)
No more need for running
(Takin' it to the streets)
Oh yeah
(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it to the streets
(Takin' it to the streets)
We'll discuss it further
(Takin' it to the streets)
Oh, na
(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it, takin' it
(Takin' it to the streets)
Yeah, yeah
(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it to the streets
(Takin' it to the streets)
No more need for running
(Takin' it to the streets)
No more need for hiding
(Takin' it to the streets)
Hey, yeah
(Takin' it to the streets)
No, na
(Takin' it to the streets)
Yeah, yeah
(Takin' it to the streets)
Takin' it, takin' it
(Takin' it to the streets)