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.
Jericho
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You should have turned your heart
You should have turned it around
You thought you were safe
Behind your iron and clay walls
I told you long ago that you were due for a fall
You're gonna be the slave of the master's servants
Jericho,
Your cities are burning and the soldiers are coming for you
Your wall street idols won't be here long
From cinders to ashes and they are all gone
I begged you to run from your idols to Me
But blind by fools gold no you just couldn't see
The song "Jericho" by DeGarmo & Key is a powerful warning about the consequences of turning away from the truth and refusing to follow God's call. The lyrics speak directly to the listener, asking them what they will do when their walls come tumbling down. This is a reference to the biblical story of the fall of Jericho, where the walls of the city were brought down by the sound of Joshua's trumpets. The singer warns that those who are unwilling to turn their hearts to God will suffer the same fate as the city of Jericho, becoming slaves to the master's servants and facing destruction at the hands of their enemies.
The verses describe the false security that people often find in their earthly possessions and accomplishments. The "iron and clay walls" that they hide behind are symbolic of their material wealth and worldly power. The singer reminds them that they were warned long ago about the consequences of their actions, but they refused to turn their hearts around. The chorus repeats the warning that Jericho is going to be taken by the master's servants and describes the destruction that is coming.
Overall, the song is a powerful reminder that we all have a choice to make between following God and chasing after our own desires. The consequences of that choice are real and can be devastating. The lyrics of "Jericho" urge us to turn our hearts to God before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
What will you do when your walls come down?
When everything you relied on is gone and you have nowhere to turn, what actions will you take?
You should have turned your heart
Instead of relying on material things, you should have focused on the things that truly mattered - love, compassion, and faith.
You should have turned it around
You still have the chance to change your ways and redirect your life towards what really matters.
You thought you were safe
You were living under a false sense of security, believing that the things you owned and the status you achieved would always protect you.
Behind your iron and clay walls
You built up barriers of material things and wealth in the hopes of protecting yourself from what you were afraid of.
I told you long ago that you were due for a fall
Even though you refused to listen, I warned you that the material things you put your trust in would not last forever and that you would eventually face consequences.
Jericho, You're gonna be the slave of the master's servants
The very things you put your trust in will ultimately enslave and control you, leaving you powerless and at the mercy of others.
Jericho, Your cities are burning and the soldiers are coming for you
The things you thought would always be there for you are now lost, the people who you thought you could always count on have left, and the consequences of your actions have finally caught up to you.
Your wall street idols won't be here long
The idols you put your trust in, including wealth and material possessions, are only temporary and will not last forever.
From cinders to ashes and they are all gone
The things you thought would always be there for you will inevitably disappear or burn away, leaving nothing but empty, meaningless ashes behind.
I begged you to run from your idols to Me
I encouraged you to turn away from material possessions and towards faith and spiritual fulfillment as the path towards true happiness.
But blind by fools gold no you just couldn't see
Despite my attempts to guide you, you remained blinded by the allure of material things and were unable to see the wisdom in my words.
Contributed by Ellie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Max floyd jr
I love these early D & K albums. Glad they’re getting rereleased by Girder music. I have the original Lp’s and spin them from time to time.
John DeLaurentis
Awesome song! My favorite from this album. Classic rock par excellence with a smoldering guitar solo.
Roberto Nieves
Great job on remastered the albums! Excellent work!!!
Girder
Thank you. Come leave a review on the product at girdermusic.com
brian powell
I can't believe I get the chance to get this CD in remastered form. Thank you. If you get one rock album this year, Degarmo and Key Band "Straight On" is the one to get. Pure gold.
Girder
I couldn't agree more
Sheri Chamberlain
Pretty good CCM jam for 1979. Great vocal and guitar work by Dana. Already have my order in for the first D&K 3 albums being offered by Girder on CD.
Rex Smetzer
I can't wait for these to come out at the end of October!! Girder always does top notch remasters!!!
Girder
Always appreciate your support Rex.
John Brzykcy
Wow.... This will be a great reissue. I originally bought this on vinyl back in 1979. How time flies. I like the early DeGarmo and Key albums because they had a progressive rock style in their music. I also liked their lyrics. I hope Girder Records continues to reissue these classic Jesus Music albums. If you also like the prog rock style of music, feel free to make a comment. God bless all....