In addition to his career with Lonestar, McDonald sang harmony vocals on Mindy McCready's 1997 single "Maybe He'll Notice Her Now". He has also co-written four singles for other country music artists, including "She's Always Right" by Clay Walker, "Let Them Be Little" by Billy Dean (which was also recorded by Lonestar), "Coalmine" by Sara Evans, and "Once a Woman Gets a Hold of Your Heart" by Heartland.
McDonald announced his departure from Lonestar in 2007, with Cody Collins succeeding him as the band's lead vocalist. On November 8, 2007, Richie released an album of Christmas music, titled If Every Day Could Be Christmas. Also featured on the new album is "Coming Home for Christmas," a collaboration with Jim Brickman.
McDonald released his solo debut album I Turn to You on June 3, 2008. He signed a deal with Stroudavarious Records a month later. His first single for the label, "How Do I Just Stop", was released in November, but did not chart until the week of January 17, 2009, where it debuted at number 53 on the Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at 51. A second single, "Hey God", which was originally on his I Turn to You album and before that on Lonestar's 2006 album Mountains, was released on March 3, 2009, but was withdrawn from country radio and replaced with "Six Foot Teddy Bear."
McDonald released Slowdown, his second solo album, in 2010. This album included "How Do I Just Stop", which also peaked at number 51.
Carry The Cross
Richie McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over two thousand years ago
He showed us all just what we had to do
To get to where we wanna go
He prayed for strength to get back up
Every time He would stumble and fall
With blood sweat and tears runnin' down on His face
To carry the cross, shoulder the weight
He shed His blood so the world could be saved
If we walk in his steps we won't get lost
And He'll carry us when we're not strong enough
To carry the cross
Down the streets of our neighborhoods
Somebody's suffering everyday
The trials tribulations of every day life
Can be more than one person can take
He gives us the grace that all of us need
To face all our worries and fear
When I'm down my knees and I'm prayin' for help
It's His loving arms I feel pulling me near
To carry the cross, shoulder the weight
He shed His blood so the world could be saved
If we walk in His steps we won't get lost
And He'll carry us when we're not strong enough
To carry the cross
Some are big, some are small
But they're blessings for us all
As we follow in His steps to Calvary
Richie McDonald's song "Carry The Cross" speaks about the story of Jesus Christ, more specifically about Jesus' walk with the weight of the cross before his crucifixion. The song talks about how Jesus' journey serves as an example for others on how to tackle obstacles that come their way. The first verse references the streets of Jerusalem 2000 years ago, drawing the listener's attention to the time and place in which the main event of the song took place. The verse describes how Jesus showed people the path to take to reach their goals, suggesting that the message and the path remain relevant to this day.
The second verse of "Carry The Cross" is more contemporary and speaks to the daily struggles in people's lives. The verse highlights the struggles faced by people, with McDonald suggesting that Jesus' grace and guidance can help people deal with those struggles. The lyrics beautifully describe how Jesus' love guides and supports those who are struggling, offering a hand to help them get back up when they fall.
Overall, "Carry The Cross" is a message of faith and hope, urging listeners to put their trust in Jesus and follow in His footsteps to overcome their challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the streets of Jerusalem
Talking about Jesus carrying the cross through the streets of Jerusalem to show what to do in times of hardship
Over two thousand years ago
Reference to the time period Jesus lived and died
He showed us all just what we had to do
Jesus serves as an example for how to live and tackle obstacles
To get to where we wanna go
The ultimate goal of salvation and eternal life
He prayed for strength to get back up
Jesus relied on prayer to gain the strength and courage to persevere through his trials
Every time He would stumble and fall
Jesus faced physical and emotional challenges and setbacks
With blood sweat and tears runnin' down on His face
Jesus felt intense pain and emotions when carrying the cross and felt the weight of human sin
He was an example for us all
Jesus's actions illustrate the potential to overcome obstacles and find the strength to carry on
To carry the cross, shoulder the weight
Emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the struggle to overcome adversity
He shed His blood so the world could be saved
Through his sacrifice, Jesus brought salvation and eternal life to humanity
If we walk in his steps we won't get lost
By following Jesus's example, people can avoid losing sight of their goals and values
And He'll carry us when we're not strong enough
When people feel helpless or unable to carry on, God will provide support and comfort
Down the streets of our neighborhoods
Focus shifts to contemporary issues faced by individuals and communities
Somebody's suffering everyday
Acknowledges the prevalence of suffering in people's everyday experiences
The trials tribulations of every day life
Life presents a myriad of challenges and difficulties that can be overwhelming or distressing
Can be more than one person can take
Sometimes the weight of challenges and difficulties can be too much for someone to handle alone
He gives us the grace that all of us need
God provides grace, or unmerited favor, to those who seek it
To face all our worries and fear
Grace and faith can help people confront and overcome their anxieties and apprehensions
When I'm down my knees and I'm prayin' for help
Acknowledges the role and importance of prayer as a means to seek divine intervention and guidance
It's His loving arms I feel pulling me near
God's abundant love and mercy are the sources of support and comfort for those who seek it
Some are big, some are small
Problems and blessings come in all shapes and sizes
But they're blessings for us all
Even the smallest blessings can bring joy and contentment to people's lives
As we follow in His steps to Calvary
The song ends by emphasizing the importance of following Jesus's example to achieve the ultimate goal of salvation
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Norma Crum-Grunwell
on Peterbilt Sleigh
Sure wish the printed lyrics were available for us hearing impaired folks. Can't make out all the words of the verses. Love the idea at least what I can get. Sad. Why is it being skipped.... copywright problems???