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on his I Turn to You album and before that on Lonestar's 2006 album Mountains, was released on March 3, 2009, but was withdrawn from country radio and replaced with "Six Foot Teddy Bear."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.
I Turn To You
Richie McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my crosses start to weigh me down
I turn to You, I turn to You
When I can't tell what's wrong or right
And the answer should be black and white
I turn to You, I turn to You
My source of strength, my point of light
The silent voice that speaks the truth
When I need love I turn, I turn to You
When something's broken deep within
And I need what the world can't give
I turn to You, I turn to You
When this life brings me to my knees
And I need two arms to carry me
I turn to You, I turn to You
My source of strength, my point of light
My ray of hope, my peace of mind
The silent voice that speaks the truth
When I need love I turn, I turn to You
I turn to You to calm the wind and rain
To accept what I can't change
To feed my soul with faith
I turn to You
My source of strength, my point of light
My ray of hope, my peace of mind
The silent voice that speaks the truth
When I need love I turn to You
My source of strength, my point of light
My ray of hope, my peace of mind
The silent voice that speaks the truth
When I need love I turn, I turn to You
I turn to You, I turn to You, I turn to You
The song "I Turn To You" by Richie McDonald is a heartfelt expression of his faith and trust in God. The lyrics speak of turning to God in times of trouble, when the problems of the day surround and the weight of crosses become heavy to bear. The song also addresses the moments when it's unclear what is right or wrong, and the answer appears to be black and white. McDonald finds comfort and peace in turning to God in these circumstances. He regards God as his source of strength, peace of mind, and the voice that speaks the truth.
Life can throw us curveballs that can leave us feeling broken deep within. In such instances, we could need what the world cannot give, and McDonald finds solace in turning to God. The repetition of the phrase "I turn to you" emphasizes the importance of relying on God's grace and love. The second verse focuses on being brought to one's knees in life and needing someone to carry us. McDonald finds that God is the only one who can carry him through tough times, and he turns to Him for strength.
The chorus reaffirms McDonald's dependence on God, not just in times of need but as a constant companion that calms the wind and rain, accepts what we cannot change, and feeds our souls with faith. In summation, the song "I Turn To You" is a beautifully crafted expression of the artist's faith in God and the deep relationship that exists between him and God.
Line by Line Meaning
When the problems of the day surround
When I am surrounded by the challenges of the day
And my crosses start to weigh me down
And when the burdens start getting heavy
I turn to You, I turn to You
I seek refuge and comfort in You, and only You
When I can't tell what's wrong or right
When I am lost and cannot discern between right and wrong
And the answer should be black and white
And the solution is not clear or obvious
I turn to You, I turn to You
I turn to You for guidance and clarity
My source of strength, my point of light
You are my source of strength and my guiding light
My ray of hope, my peace of mind
In You, I find hope and peace of mind
The silent voice that speaks the truth
In Your presence, I hear the truth without any noise or distractions
When I need love I turn, I turn to You
When I need love and comfort, You are the only One I turn to
When something's broken deep within
When something inside me is broken or hurting deeply
And I need what the world can't give
And I need something that the material world cannot provide
I turn to You, I turn to You
I turn to You to fill the void that nothing else can
When this life brings me to my knees
When life brings me down on my knees
And I need two arms to carry me
And I need someone to hold me and support me
I turn to You, I turn to You
I turn to You to hold me and carry me through the tough times
I turn to You to calm the wind and rain
I seek You to give me peace and calm during turbulent times
To accept what I can't change
To find the strength to accept what I cannot change
To feed my soul with faith
And to nourish my soul with faith in You
My source of strength, my point of light
You are my source of strength and light in the darkness
The silent voice that speaks the truth
You speak the truth silently in my heart
When I need love I turn to You
I turn to You for love, comfort, and support
I turn to You, I turn to You, I turn to You
I turn to You repeatedly, as You are my only solace and refuge
Contributed by Blake H. 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???