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.
Long Distance Runner
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can feel the pain in your side
Yet you must run on
You are a long distance runner
Keep your face in the wind
And you'll soon be home
Keep your eye on the goal and you'll win the race
Up from the gun — you are no sprinter
The soles of your feet are on fire
Yet you must run on
You came to run — that's why you entered
So put one foot in front of another
'Till your race is won
I can see the pain on your face
Keep your eye on the goal and you'll win the race
You are a long distance runner
When others are falling away
Your race begins
You are a long distance runner
When others are falling away
Your race begins
You are a long distance runner
The Spirit that strengthens your soul
Will ensure that you win
The lyrics to DeGarmo & Key's song "Long Distance Runner" are about perseverance and endurance in the face of difficulty. The metaphor of a long distance runner is used to describe someone who is going through a difficult time, but is determined to push through the pain and reach their goal. The song acknowledges the physical and emotional strain that comes with running, but also emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the end result.
The first verse describes the feeling of pain that comes with running, but encourages the runner to keep pushing forward. The second verse emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the goal and not getting distracted by the difficulties along the way. The chorus repeats the phrase "you are a long distance runner" as a way to remind the listener that they are capable of enduring the challenges they face.
The bridge of the song acknowledges that the runner might not be the fastest or most talented, but emphasizes that they have the determination to keep going. The final verse refers to the runner as being strengthened by the Spirit, possibly referencing religious faith as a source of strength and motivation.
Overall, the song encourages perseverance in the face of adversity and emphasizes the importance of staying focused on one's goals.
Line by Line Meaning
You are a long distance runner
The listener is someone who is persistent and determined in reaching their goals over time
You can feel the pain in your side
The listener is experiencing discomfort or difficulty in their journey
Yet you must run on
Despite any hardships, the listener must continue to pursue their goals
Keep your face in the wind
The listener should stay focused and directed towards their goals
And you'll soon be home
The end of the journey will bring fulfillment and the realization of the listener's aspirations
I can see the strain on your face
The listener's struggles are apparent and visible to others
Keep your eye on the goal and you'll win the race
The listener needs to stay focused and keep the end result in mind in order to achieve success
Up from the gun — you are no sprinter
The listener's journey is long and requires endurance, not speed
The soles of your feet are on fire
The listener has been working hard for a long time and is experiencing exhaustion and strain
You came to run — that's why you entered
The listener entered into their journey with the intention to pursue their goals relentlessly
So put one foot in front of another
The listener needs to continue taking small steps towards their goal in order to achieve success
'Till your race is won
The listener must never give up until they have achieved their goals
When others are falling away
The listener is capable of persisting even when others cannot or choose not to
Your race begins
The listener needs to stay committed to their goals and begin taking steps to achieve them
The Spirit that strengthens your soul
The listener's inner strength and determination will guide them and help them achieve their goals
Will ensure that you win
If the listener remains committed and persistent, they will achieve their goals and succeed in their journey
Contributed by Colton I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dean Bracewell
One of my favorite albums.
Nathan Hoover
Saw them at a private concert at a fellowship in Columbus Ohio. Great music and great message.
Jocelyn G
They were jamming back in 79!!🎸
Frost
pure class
Paul Ceniceros
GOOD👍🏻STUFF!
James Edgar
We must press on to win the prize!