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.
One Step Closer
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's got a loaded Bible in his hand
Ah, he's blessed in the gospel meeting in those parking lights
He's aiming at the promise land
There's a young man pushing on the gospel plow
He carries his heart in his hand
Likes to save the world, don't know how
He's a patient man
And he's one step closer
Closer to the promised land
Ah, he's one step closer
Walking in the master's plan
There's a missionary waging a holy war
In God's name, He makes him stand
Ah, Satan's on his trail, demons at his door
Combat is hand to hand
And the theologian looks for the questions
He keeps his lamp burning bright
He's determined to see God's election
If it takes all night
And he's one step closer
Closer to the promised land
Ah, he's one step closer
Walking in the master's plan
One step closer
Closer to the promised land
One step closer
Walking in the master's plan
Oh, we're one step closer
Walking in the master's plan
Ah, we're one step closer
Closer and closer we go
One step closer
Walking and walking and walking and walking
The song "One Step Closer" by DeGarmo & Key emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics present several different characters who are all pushing towards a common goal: reaching the promised land. The small town preacher is on the streets with his Bible, spreading the gospel and aiming at the promise land. The young man is pushing on the gospel plow with his heart in his hand, attempting to save the world without quite knowing how. The missionary is waging a holy war against Satan and his demons, engaging in hand-to-hand combat in the name of God. And the theologian is seeking answers to important questions, determined to see God's election no matter how long it takes.
Despite their different approaches, all of these characters are "one step closer" to their goal. They are all walking in the master's plan and progressing towards the promised land, even if they encounter obstacles in the process. The emphasis is on the journey rather than the destination, and the importance of persevering through the ups and downs of life. The repeated refrain of "one step closer" serves as a reminder to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is unclear or difficult.
Overall, "One Step Closer" is a deeply spiritual and motivational song that encourages listeners to hold fast to their faith and keep striving towards their goals, no matter what challenges may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
A small town preacher on the streets tonight
A preacher from a small town is out on the streets tonight.
He's got a loaded Bible in his hand
The preacher is carrying a Bible that is filled with verses and messages.
Ah, he's blessed in the gospel meeting in those parking lights
He is overjoyed and has been given divine grace in a gathering where people are discussing and learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ under the parking lights.
He's aiming at the promise land
The preacher is working towards the goal of reaching heaven - which is considered the promise land for Christians.
There's a young man pushing on the gospel plow
There is a young man who is striving hard to spread the teachings of Jesus through his work and actions.
He carries his heart in his hand
This person is very passionate about his work and is highly dedicated towards it.
Likes to save the world, don't know how
He has big dreams of making the world a better place but is unsure of how to achieve it.
He's a patient man
The young man is willing to wait and work hard towards his goals instead of rushing towards success.
And he's one step closer
The young man has made progress and is now one step closer to achieving his goals.
Closer to the promised land
His progress is in the direction of achieving the ultimate goal of reaching heaven or the promised land.
Walking in the master's plan
He is moving forward in the path set by Jesus Christ - who is referred to as 'the master' here.
There's a missionary waging a holy war
A missionary is fighting a holy war against evil forces.
In God's name, He makes him stand
The missionary's strength comes from his faith in God and he stands up for what he believes in.
Ah, Satan's on his trail, demons at his door
The forces of evil are actively working against the missionary and trying to stop him from achieving his goals.
Combat is hand to hand
The fight against evil is a tough and challenging one that requires a lot of effort and struggle.
And the theologian looks for the questions
A theologian is searching for answers to complex and difficult questions about the nature of God and existence.
He keeps his lamp burning bright
He is dedicated to his work and keeps his faith and enthusiasm alive, even in the toughest of situations.
He's determined to see God's election
The theologian is committed to understanding God's plan and the choices that the Almighty has made.
If it takes all night
The theologian is willing to put in a lot of time and effort towards his goal, even if it takes all night.
Oh, we're one step closer
As a community, we have made progress and are one step closer to achieving our common goals.
Closer and closer we go
Our progress is steady and we are getting closer to our objectives with every step that we take.
Walking and walking and walking and walking
We are determined to work hard and make steady progress towards our goals, regardless of how long it takes to achieve them.
Contributed by Victoria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@thatMimosaGrove
Is it just me or is this awesome!
@thatMimosaGrove
And the theologian looks for the questions
He keeps his lamp burning bright
He's determined to seek God's direction
If it takes all night
@degarmoandkey
Better quality on my YouTube channel. I have every album and more uploaded in HQ 320kbps.
@PhilMante
Original poster here.
Right on..I know this comment is like 6 years late but right on.