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 Look Back
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
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And took those old books off the shelf
I ran across my high school annual
I saw an awful picture of myself
I read the lines there in the jacket
The words there left me feeling sad
And when I happened on your note there
You said, never give up, never give in
Never forget me when you need a friend
Never give out, never turn back
Never let hard times push you off your track
Never look back
And isn't it just like God's wisdom
To put grace where He plans to lead
Today I needed grace to find me
And your words were there to meet my need
You said, never give up, never give in
Never forget me when you need a friend
Never give out, never turn back
Never let hard times push you off your track
Never look back
Never look back
Never look back
(Never look back)
You said, never look back
(Never look back)
Never look back
(Never look back)
Never look back
(Never look back)
The lyrics of DeGarmo & Key's song "Never Look Back" tell a story of personal reflection and growth. The singer describes cleaning out their closet and stumbling upon their high school annual, which includes a note from a friend. The note contains words of encouragement to never give up, never give in, never forget the friend, never give out or turn back, and to never look back. The singer reflects on the wisdom of these words and how they have brought them comfort during a difficult time.
The song is both uplifting and introspective, encouraging the listener to keep pushing forward and never give up on their dreams. The message is especially powerful in the face of hardship and uncertainty, reminding us that there is always hope and that we are never truly alone.
One interesting interpretation of the lyrics is that the singer may be grappling with feelings of inadequacy or regret. The line "I saw an awful picture of myself" suggests that the singer is self-critical and may be struggling with their self-image. The note from the friend serves as a reminder that they are not defined by their past mistakes or shortcomings and that they have the strength to overcome obstacles.
Overall, "Never Look Back" is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and the impact that simple words of encouragement can have on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I finally rearranged my closet
I've recently undergone change and reorganization in my personal and tangible life.
And took those old books off the shelf
I've discarded things that no longer serve me.
I ran across my high school annual
I stumbled upon my past and my old identity.
I saw an awful picture of myself
My old self wasn't something to be proud of.
I read the lines there in the jacket
I read the words inscribed in my past belongings.
The words there left me feeling sad
I felt a sense of sorrow upon revisiting my past.
And when I happened on your note there
And then I found a note from you in my past belongings.
I wondered at the wisdom that you had
I marveled at the insight you provided in that note.
You said, never give up, never give in
You told me to never surrender or give up on what I believe in.
Never forget me when you need a friend
You wanted me to remember the bond we share and seek your guidance when I'm in need of assistance.
Never give out, never turn back
You urged me to always push forward, never giving up or giving in to obstacles.
Never let hard times push you off your track
You warned me to stay on the path I've chosen, regardless of any hardships I may face.
Never look back
You encouraged me to constantly move forward and never dwell on the past.
And isn't it just like God's wisdom
Isn't it amazing how God provides us with the right people and messages just when we need them?
To put grace where He plans to lead
To help us find the strength and courage we need as we pursue our goals.
Today I needed grace to find me
I needed strength and support to get through the day.
And your words were there to meet my need
And your words from the past provided me with the guidance and motivation I needed in the present.
Never look back
You reiterated the importance of always moving forward and never looking back.
Never look back
Again, you emphasized the importance of constantly moving forward.
Never look back
Once more, you emphasized to never dwell on the past and always push forward.
Never look back
Finally, you exhorted me to always keep my focus on the present and future.
Contributed by London N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Abraham Garza
DeGarmo & Key - Never Look Back"
I finally rearranged my closet
And took those old books off the shelf
I ran across my high school annual
I saw an awful picture of myself
I read the lines there in the jacket
The words there left me feeling sad
And when I happened on your note there
I wondered at the wisdom you had
It said..
Never give up, never give in
You said, Never give up, never give in
Never forget me when you need a friend
Never give out, never turn back
Never let hard times push you off the track
Never look back
And isn't it just like God's wisdom
To put grace where He plans to lead
Today I needed grace to find me
And your words were there to meet my need
It said..
Never give up, never give in
You said, Never give up, never give in
Never forget me when you need a friend
Never give out, never turn back
Never let hard times push you off the track
Never look back
Never look back
Never look back
It said..
Never look back
Never look back
Never look back
Cam Eugene
Underneath the blood.