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.
Oklahoma Blues
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Takin' my Bible and my tracts
Yes, I'm goin' to Oklahoma
This band just came from Egypt
And by the grace of God
We're never goin' back
Yes, I'm goin' to see a neighbor
Yes, I'm goin' to see a neighbor
I'll be takin' John 3:16 with me
And if Jesus gets there before me
He's gonna wash my neighbor clean
The lyrics to DeGarmo & Key's song Oklahoma Blues express the desire of the singer to travel to Oklahoma with his bible and tracts to share the gospel with his neighbor. The singer shares that the band had just returned from Egypt and with the grace of God, they were never going back. This implies that the singer has had a life-changing experience and wants to share the good news with others.
The use of John 3:16 in the song is also significant. It is one of the most well-known and widely quoted verses in the Bible, emphasizing God's love for humanity and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The singer is taking this message to his neighbor, sharing the hope and redemption that comes through faith in Christ. The final line of the song, "And if Jesus gets there before me, He's gonna wash my neighbor clean," speaks to the belief that salvation comes through Christ alone and that the gospel message is powerful enough to transform lives.
Overall, the song communicates the urgency and importance of sharing the gospel with those around us, and the hope that comes from faith in Jesus Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, I'm goin' to Oklahoma
I have plans to travel to Oklahoma
Takin' my Bible and my tracts
I will bring my Bible and religious materials with me
This band just came from Egypt
The band has recently returned from Egypt
And by the grace of God
They attribute their current state to the grace of God
We're never goin' back
They have no intention of returning to Egypt
Yes, I'm goin' to see a neighbor
The purpose of their travel is to visit a neighbor
I'll be takin' John 3:16 with me
They plan on bringing a specific Bible verse with them
And if Jesus gets there before me
In the event that Jesus arrives before they do
He's gonna wash my neighbor clean
Jesus will purify their neighbor's soul
Contributed by Elena O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.