About the song

Kenny Loggins & Michael McDonald – “This Is It”: A Song About Courage and Turning Points

In the late 1970s, two of the most recognizable voices in American music came together to create a song that would resonate far beyond the charts. When Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald collaborated on This Is It, they were not simply writing another pop hit. They were crafting a message about courage, difficult decisions, and the moments in life when everything seems to stand at a crossroads.

Released in 1979 on Loggins’ album Keep the Fire, “This Is It” quickly became one of the most meaningful songs of his career. The song blended Loggins’ emotional vocal delivery with McDonald’s soulful songwriting instincts, creating a track that felt both uplifting and deeply personal.

But the story behind the song makes it even more powerful.

At the time the song was written, Kenny Loggins was going through an emotional period in his life. His father had been facing serious health problems, and the uncertainty surrounding that situation weighed heavily on him. Like many families confronting illness, Loggins found himself wrestling with complicated emotions—fear, hope, frustration, and the difficult reality that sometimes life demands impossible decisions.

During that time, Loggins began discussing these feelings with Michael McDonald, who had already built a reputation as a gifted songwriter and vocalist with The Doobie Brothers. McDonald’s voice had become instantly recognizable in the world of rock and soul, and his thoughtful approach to songwriting made him an ideal collaborator.

Their conversations about life, family, and responsibility eventually evolved into music.

McDonald helped shape the lyrics of “This Is It,” transforming Loggins’ personal struggles into a universal message about facing difficult moments with honesty and courage. The song’s central idea is simple but powerful: there are times in life when hesitation is no longer possible. A decision must be made, and the path forward must be chosen.

That emotional tension gives the song its lasting impact.

The opening lines immediately establish the theme of reflection and realization. As the melody unfolds, Loggins’ voice carries both vulnerability and determination. The lyrics encourage listeners to confront reality rather than avoid it—a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced a moment of personal crisis.

Musically, “This Is It” reflects the polished sound that defined much of late-1970s adult contemporary music.

The arrangement combines smooth piano chords, steady rhythm, and layered harmonies that highlight both Loggins’ and McDonald’s vocal strengths. The production feels warm and uplifting without losing the emotional seriousness of the lyrics.

Listeners responded immediately.

“This Is It” climbed the charts and became one of Loggins’ biggest solo hits. In 1980, the song earned Loggins and McDonald the Grammy Awards honor for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The recognition confirmed what fans already knew—the song had struck a powerful emotional chord.

Part of the song’s success comes from the chemistry between the two artists.

Kenny Loggins had already enjoyed success earlier in the decade as part of the duo Loggins and Messina, while Michael McDonald’s distinctive voice had helped define the evolving sound of the Doobie Brothers. Together, they brought different musical influences into the collaboration, blending pop, rock, and soul in a way that felt natural.

Their partnership demonstrated how powerful songwriting can become when two artists share a genuine emotional connection to the message.

Over the years, “This Is It” has continued to resonate with listeners across generations. The song often appears on playlists that celebrate uplifting and reflective music from the late twentieth century. For many fans, the track represents more than just a nostalgic favorite—it serves as a reminder of the strength required to face life’s most challenging moments.

When Kenny Loggins performs the song live, audiences often respond with quiet attention before erupting into applause at the end. The lyrics seem to carry a message that never loses relevance: life will eventually present moments when we must choose courage over fear.

Looking back now, the collaboration between Loggins and McDonald stands as a remarkable example of how personal experiences can inspire music that speaks to millions.

“This Is It” was born from a difficult chapter in one man’s life, yet its message continues to encourage listeners everywhere to face their own turning points with clarity and determination.

Because sometimes, a single song can remind us that even in our most uncertain moments, we still have the power to move forward.

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