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.
I Have Decided
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
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And all of those rigged games you all made me play
What was I even supposed to say
So I acted like nothing was wrong
Even though I knew that it was all too far gone
What could I have done
Time had ran its course and I couldn't have won
Oh the damage was already done
When you called me that night
All I wanted to do was fight
But I knew that you were already through
And when I went back inside
I didn't even cry
Cause I knew that you were already through
There was nothing that I could have done
Time had ran its course and I couldn't have won
Oh the damage was already done
And now I've went and found my worth
Not listening to you anymore
And it's okay cause now I know
There was nothing that I could have done
Time had ran its course and I couldn't have won
Oh the damage was already done
The lyrics of "I Have Decided" by DeGarmo & Key convey a message of acceptance and moving on after enduring perceived hurt and rejection. The song's message encourages individuals to disregard negativity and opinions that are detrimental to their self-worth. The singer describes how people said awful things about him and how he was constantly forced to participate in rigged games. He questions what he could have done differently and opted to act like everything was okay despite knowing that it had already gone too far.
The singer recounts the conversation with the individual that led him to realize that their relationship/matter was already beyond repair. While he felt he wanted to fight back, he knew that any action would be in vain as the relationship/matter had already come to a close. Finally, the singer found his worth and made a decision to no longer listen to others' criticisms.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Have Decided" stress the importance of self-love and optimism even after a perception of rejection or hurt. The song encourages listeners to accept unpleasant experiences and move forward with the knowledge that events have already taken their course.
Line by Line Meaning
All those awful things you all said about me
The negative comments and insults that were directed towards me by others
And all of those rigged games you all made me play
The unfair and biased situations I was put in and forced to participate in
What was I even supposed to say
I was at a loss for words and didn't know how to respond or defend myself
So I acted like nothing was wrong
I pretended that I wasn't affected by the hurtful actions of others
Even though I knew that it was all too far gone
I was aware that the situation had reached a point of no return, where any effort on my part would have been futile
What could I have done
I questioned if there was anything I could have done to change the outcome of the situation
When you called me that night
Refers to a specific phone call from someone important to the singer
All I wanted to do was fight
I had a strong desire to argue or defend myself against the person on the phone
But I knew that you were already through
I realized that the person on the other end of the call had already made up their mind and there was no changing it
And when I went back inside
Refers to the artist returning to their own space after the phone call
I didn't even cry
I didn't feel any need to cry or express emotions, as I had already accepted the reality of the situation
Cause I knew that you were already through
Reiterates that the person on the phone had made a final decision and there was no changing it
And now I've went and found my worth
I have gained a sense of self-value and don't rely on others to determine my worth
Not listening to you anymore
I am no longer allowing the opinions and actions of others to influence me negatively
And it's okay cause now I know
I have come to a place of peace and acceptance, knowing that I did everything I could in the situation
There was nothing that I could have done
Despite any efforts or attempts, the situation had already reached a point of no return with a predetermined outcome
Time had ran its course and I couldn't have won
The situation had played out and no action on my part could have altered the outcome
Oh the damage was already done
The negative consequences of the situation could not be undone or reversed
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Haven Keys
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind