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on his I Turn to You album and before that on Lonestar's 2006 album Mountains, was released on March 3, 2009, but was withdrawn from country radio and replaced with "Six Foot Teddy Bear."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.
Slow Down
Richie McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You go your way and I go mine
We're off to work, we're running late
Traffic's worse than yesterday
We're always in a hurry you and I
And we watch what really matters pass us by
Let's slow down, let's catch our breath
Sometimes our world spins so fast
Just hanging on takes everything we have
And we forget what life's about
Let's slow down, let's slow down
There was a time, remember when
Life was sweet and simple then
If we could find that place once more
We'd find the peace we're looking for
The more we get the more we want, it's true
Baby all I really need is more of you
Let's slow down, let's catch our breath
Heaven knows our hearts could use a little rest
Sometimes our world spins so fast
Just hanging on takes everything we have
And we forget what life's about
Let's slow down
We're always in a hurry you and I
We've watched what really matters pass us by
Too many times
Let's slow down, let's catch our breath
Heaven knows our hearts could use a little rest
Sometimes our world spins so fast
Just hanging on takes everything we have
And we forget what life's about
Let's slow down, let's slow down
Let's slow down, let's slow down
The lyrics of "Slow Down" by Richie McDonald focus on the importance of taking a break from the fast-paced world we live in. The first verse describes the busy lives of the singer and his listener, always in a hurry, always rushing to get somewhere. They are often blind to the meaningful moments in life that pass them by because they are too busy chasing after something else.
The chorus encourages the listener to slow down, take a breath, and rest their hearts. The fast-paced world can take a toll on one's mental and emotional state, so it is crucial to take some time to recharge. The singer acknowledges that life can be overwhelming, but the listener has the power to slow it down and find peace in the simplicity of life.
In the second verse, the singer reminisces about a simpler time in life when things were sweet and straightforward. He says that if they could find that place once again, they would find the peace they are looking for. The last few lines of the verse express the idea that we often forget what really matters in life and get caught up in the endless pursuit of more.
The final chorus brings the same message as the first: slow down, catch your breath, and don't forget what life is all about. The lyrics of "Slow Down" urge the listener to step back from the fast-paced world, take a break, and focus on what truly matters.
Line by Line Meaning
We say hello we say good-bye
We greet one another and then part ways
You go your way and I go mine
We each continue on our separate paths
We're off to work, we're running late
We're heading to our jobs but are short on time
Traffic's worse than yesterday
The amount of cars on the road is greater than it was the previous day
We're always in a hurry you and I
We are constantly rushing, both of us
And we watch what really matters pass us by
Unfortunately, we have missed out on what is truly important in life
Let's slow down, let's catch our breath
It's time for us to pause and take a break
Heaven knows our hearts could use a little rest
We could certainly benefit from easing up on our frantic pace
Sometimes our world spins so fast
Life can feel like it's moving quicker than we're comfortable with
Just hanging on takes everything we have
Simply getting through each day can feel like a challenge
And we forget what life's about
We've lost sight of the true purpose of our lives
There was a time, remember when
Once upon a time, there was a point in our lives
Life was sweet and simple then
We had an uncomplicated and pleasant existence during that period
If we could find that place once more
If we could go back to that state of being
We'd find the peace we're looking for
We would rediscover the inner calmness we have been searching for
The more we get the more we want, it's true
It's a fact that we always want more, no matter how much we already have
Baby all I really need is more of you
Despite this, all I truly need is to be with you
We're always in a hurry you and I
Once again, we are both always rushing
We've watched what really matters pass us by
We have missed what's truly important yet again
Too many times
This has happened too frequently
Let's slow down
We really need to take the time to slow down our pace
Let's slow down, let's catch our breath
We should really take a break from our fast pace
Heaven knows our hearts could use a little rest
Taking this time is really what our souls require
And we forget what life's about
Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of the things that matter most in life
Let's slow down, let's slow down
We desire to truly take it down a notch
Let's slow down, let's slow down
We just can't emphasize it enough; we really need to relax
Writer(s): Richie Mcdonald, Frank Myers, Tommy Lee James
Contributed by Carson 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???