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.
Never Be The Same
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ha ha, come on
You know what time it is
Yeah
Better know I'm here, I'll stand my ground
Was locked inside, now I'm locked out
Got a taste of the kick, what's all about
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
In my own pace, yes this year
Independent, they can't steer
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
In my own pace, yes this year
Independent, they can't steer
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
Trick or treat, trap or rap
Sign to a label and you'll be trapped
Came a long way since I first had a mic
Didn't know how to flow, now I nail it like
Back in the day, I used to hike
Got in a car, didn't have no fright
Picked up by junkies, little did we know
That the person driving didn't have control
Now, I'm in a different role
I've grown up, I'm a father so
Never go hide, be on our show
But I will always continue to grow
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
In my own pace, yes this year
Independent, they can't steer
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
In my own pace, yes this year
Independent, they can't steer
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
Better know I'm here, I'll stand my ground
Was locked inside, now I'm locked out
Got a taste of the kick, what it's all about
All in my head, it's going round
I've been here for a while, never stopped to smile
Haven't felt this good for a while
See life, it changes if you hold on tight
Put the foot on gas, make it through the night
Try new things but keep the mindset
Used to planes? then try a new jet
Keep the focus you had from start
Soon you will see the puzzled parts
Throw the darts, aim for the middle
Or a bit higher, secure the triple
Treble that, with all three throws
You get the win and that's all she wrote
Better know I'm here, I'll stand my ground
Was locked inside, now I'm locked out
Got a taste of the kick, what it's all about
All in my head, it's going round
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
In my own pace, yes this year
Independent, they can't stear
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
In my own pace, yes this year
Independent, they can't stear
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
LAKEY
The lyrics to DeGarmo & Key's song "Never Be The Same" express a sense of defiance and determination. The artist confidently asserts their presence and declares that they will not be limited by others' expectations or judgments. They emphasize their growth and independence, refusing to be controlled or influenced by external forces. The lyrics convey a strong sense of self-belief and a refusal to be defined by others' opinions. The lines "Said I'd never be shit, did you hear? In my own pace, yes this year" highlight the artist's resilience and determination to prove their worth on their own terms. They are motivated to pursue their own path, without being steered by others, and they embrace the opportunity to continue evolving and growing.
The song also touches on personal experiences and lessons learned. The lines "Back in the day, I used to hike / Got in a car, didn't have no fright / Picked up by junkies, little did we know / That the person driving didn't have control" recount a past encounter where the artist found themselves in a dangerous situation. However, they have since transitioned into a different role in life, acknowledging their maturity and responsibility as a father. The lyrics imply that they have overcome challenges and are focused on maintaining a positive and confident outlook moving forward.
Overall, "Never Be The Same" captures the artist's determination to defy expectations, embrace independence, and continue growing in their personal journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Better know I'm here, I'll stand my ground
I want everyone to be aware that I am here and I will not back down from my beliefs or convictions
Was locked inside, now I'm locked out
I used to feel confined and limited, but now I have freed myself from those constraints
Got a taste of the kick, what's all about
I have experienced the thrill and excitement of success, and now I understand its true essence
All in my head, it's going round
These thoughts and ideas are constantly circulating in my mind
Said I'd never be shit, did you hear?
People doubted my abilities and believed I would never amount to anything
In my own pace, yes this year
I will progress and achieve at my own speed, especially in this year
Independent, they can't steer
I am self-reliant and no one can control or influence me
Gonna do my own for the time I'm here
I will follow my own path and make the most of the time I have
Trick or treat, trap or rap
Choosing between deceitful illusions or staying true to my art and passion
Sign to a label and you'll be trapped
If I enter into a contract with a record label, I will lose my creative freedom and become trapped within their demands
Came a long way since I first had a mic
I have made significant progress and grown since I first started pursuing music
Didn't know how to flow, now I nail it like
Initially, I lacked the skill and mastery of my craft, but now I perform flawlessly
Back in the day, I used to hike
In the past, I used to embark on adventurous journeys or pursue different paths
Got in a car, didn't have no fright
I took risks and faced challenges with courage, without any fear holding me back
Picked up by junkies, little did we know
Unknowingly, we allowed ourselves to be influenced or guided by those addicted to harmful substances
That the person driving didn't have control
We were unaware that the person leading us was also struggling and lacked control over their own life
Now, I'm in a different role
Currently, I have taken on a new position or responsibility in life
I've grown up, I'm a father so
I have matured and become a father, which has brought new perspective and responsibilities
Never go hide, be on our show
I will never shy away or hide, instead I will always be present and show my true self
But I will always continue to grow
Despite my current state, I will always strive for personal growth and development
I've been here for a while, never stopped to smile
I have been in this place or situation for a long time, but I have never ceased to find joy or happiness
Haven't felt this good for a while
It has been a long time since I have felt so positive and content
See life, it changes if you hold on tight
Life can undergo transformative changes if you hold on tightly and persevere through its challenges
Put the foot on gas, make it through the night
I need to accelerate and pursue my goals relentlessly in order to overcome obstacles and succeed
Try new things but keep the mindset
I should embrace new experiences and ventures while maintaining the right attitude or perspective
Used to planes? then try a new jet
If I am accustomed to certain levels of success, I should aim even higher and explore new possibilities
Keep the focus you had from start
Maintain the same level of concentration and determination that I had when I first began
Soon you will see the puzzled parts
In due time, the confusing or intricate aspects of life will begin to make sense and fall into place
Throw the darts, aim for the middle
Take calculated risks and set ambitious goals, aiming for the center or the heart of the target
Or a bit higher, secure the triple
Alternatively, aim even higher and achieve a stellar performance or outcome
Treble that, with all three throws
Multiply that success or achievement by three, utilizing all available opportunities
You get the win and that's all she wrote
If you achieve that victory, then that's the conclusive and final result
LAKEY
Referring to the artist LAKEY (likely the songwriter or performer of this song)
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Liam Lake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesedgar3442
I had never heard this song until it appeared on the "Street Rock" album in '87. Until that record was released, I didn't know about any D&K work prior to 1983. I'm glad they put "Street Rock" out so folks like me could get in on the early years, which were just as good as those mid-80s years.