The group was a Memphis, Tennessee based Christian rock group that started professionally in 1977 as "The Christian Band" before changing moniker. The primary members were keyboardist Eddie DeGarmo and guitarist Dana Key.
Key handled most lead vocals with gruff voiced DeGarmo occasionally taking a turn at the mic as on "Livin' on the Edge of Dyin'" from their second release, 1979's STRAIGHT ON. Other members over the years have included John Hampton, David Spain, Max Richardson, Terry Moxley, Joe Hardy and Ken Porter in the 70s. The 80s saw Tommy Cathey on bass, Greg Morrow on drums as well as Tony Pilcher on rhythm and second lead guitar. Membership has also included Kevin Rodell (drums), Chuck Reynolds (drums), Steve Taylor (guitar) (not Steven Roland Taylor) and Mark Pogue (guitar).
The band was nominated for seven Grammies and five Dove Awards during its over two decade tenure before dissolving in 1995. The group's final show was in 2008 at Illinois' Cornerstone Festival. Key passed away on June 6, 2010.
Alleyways Of Strife
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down through alleyways of strife?
Perhaps you've found the dark ones
Have become the way of life
Are you really so anxious
To see the depths of hell?
Tell me what's left of your happiness
(Chorus)
So sing praise!
Jesus Christ said He's going to raise—
The dead indeed
All you people of experience
See my ears are wet with youth
But how terrible the wrath of God
For those who reject the truth
I remember all my searches
Saying "seek and ye shall find"
Had I never accepted Jesus
He would have left me behind
(repeat chorus)
So, don't you be as a deafened man
Who says he has not heard!
Your conscience chokes on my witness
Because I'm singing to you God's Word
(repeat chorus)
The lyrics of DeGarmo & Key's song "Alleyways of Strife" seem to be addressing someone who is living in darkness, following their feelings down the alleys of strife. The singer is questioning whether this person is really so anxious to see the depths of hell, asking if they have anything left of their happiness or if their entire way of living has been consumed by darkness. The chorus offers a message of hope, reminding listeners of Jesus Christ's promise to raise the dead.
The second verse seems to be speaking to those who have experienced more of life, saying that although the singer may be young in years, they understand the terrible wrath of God for those who reject the truth. The singer then reflects on their own past searches for truth, saying that if they had not accepted Jesus, they would have been left behind.
The final verse is a call to action, urging the listener not to be like a deafened man who has not heard the truth. The singer's witness chokes the listener's conscience, as they sing God's Word. Once again, the chorus repeats the message of hope and promise that Jesus Christ will raise the dead.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you follow your feelings
Do you allow your emotions to guide you?
Down through alleyways of strife?
Through difficult times and situations?
Perhaps you've found the dark ones
Maybe you have been influenced by negative or evil forces?
Have become the way of life
And now they have become a regular part of your life?
Are you really so anxious
Are you truly eager or willing?
To see the depths of hell?
To experience the worst possible outcome?
Tell me what's left of your happiness
What remains of your joy and contentment?
Is there anything left to tell?
Do you have anything positive or hopeful left to share?
(Chorus)
Refrain
So sing praise!
Celebrate and be grateful!
Jesus Christ said He's going to raise—
Jesus promised to bring back to life—
The dead indeed
Those who have passed away
All you people of experience
Those who have lived a long time and gained much wisdom
See my ears are wet with youth
Recognize my lack of experience and knowledge
But how terrible the wrath of God
But consider the severe anger and punishment from God
For those who reject the truth
For those who refuse to accept the reality of God's Word
I remember all my searches
I recall all my efforts to find meaning and purpose
Saying 'seek and ye shall find'
Repeating the biblical phrase to search and discover
Had I never accepted Jesus
If I had not chosen to believe in Jesus
He would have left me behind
He would have abandoned me
(repeat chorus)
Refrain
So, don't you be as a deafened man
So, don't be like someone who can't hear
Who says he has not heard!
Who claims to not have heard the message!
Your conscience chokes on my witness
Your inner sense of right and wrong is moved by my testimony
Because I'm singing to you God's Word
Because I am sharing the message of God with you
(repeat chorus)
Refrain
Contributed by Elijah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@denisejustdenise
Don't you be as a deafened man who says he has not heard
Cuz your conscience chokes on my witness
Cuz I am singing to you God's Word.