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on his I Turn to You album and before that on Lonestar's 2006 album Mountains, was released on March 3, 2009, but was withdrawn from country radio and replaced with "Six Foot Teddy Bear."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.
Hey God
Richie McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the time my brother got sick, wasn't sure he'd make it
Then he finally pulled through
Hey God, I wanna thank You for my family
They're healthy and they're beautiful
We were gonna stop at 2, now there was number 3
You have Your ways, You have Your plan
But I'm humbled by Your grace
And everything You do
Hey God, hey God, I just want to thank You
Hey God, take good care of my nephew
He was only nineteen, say he didn't feel a thing
He was only twenty-one fighting for our freedom
Now he's there with You
Hey God, You know what it's like to lose
Someone one who you truly love
When You gave Your son to us
You must have cried then too
You have Your ways, You have Your plan
Sometimes mysterious and hard to understand
But I'm humbled by Your grace
And everything that You do
Hey God, hey God, I just want to thank You
Sometimes I forget to stop and bow my head
And remember that I have been blessed
The song Hey God by Richie McDonald is a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards God. The song highlights the different events in the singer's life where he needed God's help and how grateful he is that everything worked out for him. The primary theme of the song is thankfulness and humility before God. The singer is humbled by God's grace and amazed by the mysterious ways in which He works. The lyrics talk about how God helped the singer's brother recover from a life-threatening sickness, blessed him with a happy and healthy family, and even helped him accept the loss of his loved ones, including his nephew who sacrificed his life for his country.
Through this song, the singer acknowledges God's role in his life, his family's life, and the world at large. The song shows how human beings, however strong or independent we may feel, will always depend on God's mercy and kindness. The song also reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our lives. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles and forget just how fortunate we are. The song encourages everyone to take a moment to bow their heads and be thankful for the blessings in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey God, I don't believe I ever thanked You
I have forgotten to show gratitude for all the good things in life that You have blessed me with.
For the time my brother got sick, wasn't sure he'd make it, Then he finally pulled through
Thank you for healing my sick brother, who was on the brink of death, and bringing him back to us.
Hey God, I wanna thank You for my family, They're healthy and they're beautiful, We were gonna stop at 2, now there was number 3
I am grateful for the blessings of having a loving and healthy family that You have given us, despite initially planning to have only two children.
You have Your ways, You have Your plan, Sometimes mysterious and hard to understand, But I'm humbled by Your grace, And everything You do, Hey God, hey God, I just want to thank You
I understand that as a higher being, You have a plan that may seem complicated or difficult to comprehend, but I am grateful for Your mercy and everything You do for us.
Hey God, take good care of my nephew, He was only nineteen, say he didn't feel a thing, He was only twenty-one fighting for our freedom, Now he's there with You
Please take care of my young nephew who lost his life while fighting for our country's freedom. He was too young to experience the pain and suffering of death, but I trust You will keep him safe.
Hey God, You know what it's like to lose, Someone one who you truly love, When You gave Your son to us, You must have cried then too
You understand the pain and grief of losing a loved one because You too lost Your own son. I can only imagine the pain You endured but I believe it was done for the greater good.
Sometimes I forget to stop and bow my head, And remember that I have been blessed
I admit that sometimes I forget to acknowledge the blessings and favors you have bestowed upon me, and I apologize for not being more grateful.
Contributed by Julian P. 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???