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.
Light Of The World
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shattered the fortress that rules the night
Your Son, the Light of the world
Dark lords of evil cringe at His sight
(Chorus)
And now I live to give direction
A mirror here a mere reflection
You're the Light of the world
You're the Light of the world
Ah, the Son shines bright
Even in the night
You're the Light
Your love opened my eyes
Put light on my lies and revealed my sin
Your love gives strength to my soul
Turned sorrow to hope
And put peace within
(repeat chorus)
The lyrics to DeGarmo & Key's "Light Of The World" speak about the power of God's light and love which have the ability to conquer and shatter the darkness and fortress that rule the night. The song speaks in reference to the Son, the Light of the world who dark lords of evil cringe at His sight. The chorus emphasizes on how the power of God's light has given new direction and a reflection of oneself to allow one to be the light of the world, and a mirror for others. The lyrics also highlight how God's love has the capability to open one's eyes, revealing their sins and putting them on a path of repentance. The love gives strength to the soul, and turns sorrow to hope along with bringing peace within.
Line by Line Meaning
Your light conquered the darkness
Your divine illumination prevails over the shadowy domain of evil
Shattered the fortress that rules the night
You have dismantled the stronghold of darkness that dominates the night
Your Son, the Light of the world
Your prophesied redeemer, the radiant beacon for humanity's salvation
Dark lords of evil cringe at His sight
Evil forces tremble in fear under the divine authority of your anointed Son
And now I live to give direction
I have a new purpose in life, to guide others towards the light of salvation
A mirror here a mere reflection
My actions and words merely reflect the divine light and love that shines within me
Your love opened my eyes
Your boundless love revealed to me the truth I had been ignoring
Put light on my lies and revealed my sin
Your love illuminated the darkness of my deceitful nature and exposed my wrongdoings
Your love gives strength to my soul
Your love empowers me to overcome my weaknesses and challenges in life
Turned sorrow to hope
Your love has transformed my pain and grief into a hopeful outlook for the future
And put peace within
Your love has brought inner tranquility and contentment to my troubled heart
You're the Light of the world
You are the ultimate source of illumination and guidance for all humanity
Ah, the Son shines bright
The glory of your divine Son radiates brilliantly in all directions
Even in the night
Even amidst the pervasive darkness of this world, your light remains unquenched
You're the Light
You are the eternal and unchanging source of illumination and righteousness
Contributed by Ruby P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.