DeGarmo and Key was the first Christian rock group to be nominated for a Gr… Read Full Bio ↴DeGarmo and Key was the first Christian rock group to be nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational (for 1980's THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD) and were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Additionally, they are notable as the first CCM industry outfit to see airplay on MTV via a video for "Six, Six, Six" (from their release COMMUNICATION).

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.

Are You Ready?
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics

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Are you ready?

Are you ready to sit by his throne? (are you ready?)
Are you ready not to be alone? (are you ready?)
Someone's coming to take you home,
If you're ready, he will carry you home.

Are you ready?

Are you ready?

Jesus Christ is coming, we don't know just when,
I know we'll be ready when he comes back again.

Are you ready to sit by his throne? (are you ready?)
Are you ready not to be alone? (are you ready?)
Someone's coming to take you home,
If you're ready, he will carry you home.

Are you ready?
Are you ready?

(Sing it, Tommy...)

Rumours of war everywhere; perhaps you wonder why,
Now don't you worry, a new day's dawning,
We'll catch the Son, and away we'll fly.

Are you ready to sit by his throne? (are you ready?)
Are you ready not to be alone? (are you ready?)
Someone's coming, take you home,
If you're ready, he will carry you home.

Are you ready? (are you ready?)
Are you ready? (oh, we're so ready)
Are you ready? (yeah, are you ready?)
Are you ready?

Are you ready to sit by his throne? (are you ready?)
Are you ready not to be alone? (are you ready?)
Someone's coming to take you home,
If you're ready, he will carry you home,
Are you ready to sit by his throne? (are you ready?)
Are you ready not to be alone? (are you ready?)
Someone's coming, take you home,

If you're ready, he will carry you home,
Are you ready?

Overall Meaning

The song "Are You Ready?" by DeGarmo & Key is a gospel song with a message of spiritual awakening and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The lyrics urge listeners to get ready to sit by his throne and not to be alone, as someone is coming to take them home. The singer emphasizes the importance of being ready for the return of Jesus Christ, as no one knows when it will happen. The song encourages listeners to turn away from worldly concerns and focus on spiritual matters, as rumors of war and chaos abound. The singer assures listeners that a new day will dawn, and those who are ready will catch the Son and fly away.

The lyrics of "Are You Ready?" are typical of gospel songs in the way they use repetition and call-and-response techniques to drive home the message. The repeated phrase "are you ready?" is a rhetorical question that challenges listeners to reflect on their spiritual preparedness. The use of second-person pronouns "you" and "we" creates a sense of community and shared responsibility. The reference to sitting by his throne evokes images of judgment, while the promise of not being alone and being carried home creates a sense of comfort and security.

Line by Line Meaning

Are you ready?
The song's central question is being repeatedly asked, hinting at the theme of preparation for a big event.

Are you ready to sit by his throne? (are you ready?)
The first line of the chorus asks if the listener is ready to be in the presence of God and to be judged.

Are you ready not to be alone? (are you ready?)
The second line of the chorus asks whether the listener is ready to be saved and to not feel isolated anymore.

Someone's coming to take you home, If you're ready, he will carry you home.
This line emphasizes the possibility of salvation and eternal life, reassuring the listener that someone will come to take them home if they're ready.

Jesus Christ is coming, we don't know just when, I know we'll be ready when he comes back again.
The lyrics talk about the return of Jesus Christ and acknowledge that nobody knows when it will happen, but that the singer believes they'll be ready for it.

Rumours of war everywhere; perhaps you wonder why, Now don't you worry, a new day's dawning, We'll catch the Son, and away we'll fly.
This verse talks about the chaos in the world due to the possibility of war and how it can make people worry. However, the lyrics suggest that a new day will come and those who believe in Jesus will be taken away to fly with him.

Contributed by Adrian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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