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.
Over And Over
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord, to be just like You
My fear and my doubt keep me from doin'
What I ought to
I can't believe it
I did what I promised I would not
I wanted to turn my feet around
(Chorus)
Over and over
I'm down on my knees for the same sins
Over and over
Forgive me over and over again
Lord, do you hear me?
I just keep on callin'
I'm down on my knees and
Lord, You know I'm fallin'
I am unfaithful
I can't be the same way for two days
I've been ungrateful for the good things that You
Bring my way
(repeat chorus)
The lyrics to DeGarmo & Key's song "Over And Over" describe a deep yearning within the singer's heart to be like the Lord, but they are held back by their doubts and fears. The lyrics explore the human struggle with sin and the constant cycle of falling and seeking forgiveness. Despite the singer's promise not to sin, they found themselves unable to resist temptation and turn away from their wrongdoing. The chorus reveals the song's message, which is the singer's plea for forgiveness, despite their repetition of sinning.
The song's lyrics reveal the internal battle that Christians often face while struggling with their belief system. Many times, they strive to live a holy and faithful life, but their humanly desires and temptations overpower them, causing them to fall short. However, the song's message depicts the beauty of faith in the divine, in that we can seek forgiveness and start again, irrespective of our shortcomings.
Moreover, the lyrics showcase the essentiality of prayer in someone's life, and the singer's yearning to remain faithful and obedient to their Lord. The repeated plea for forgiveness, despite the singer's consistent wrongdoing, paints a picture of hope that we can always turn to our God.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart cries out
I am longing deeply from my heart
Lord, to be just like You
Oh Lord, I aspire to be like You in every way
My fear and my doubt keep me from doin'
I am held back by my own insecurities and uncertainties
What I ought to
From doing what I know is right
I can't believe it
My disbelief in my own actions
I did what I promised I would not
I broke my own promise
I wanted to turn my feet around
I wanted to go back on the path I came from
But I could not
But I was unable to do it
Over and over
Again and again
I'm down on my knees for the same sins
I am pleading for mercy for the same mistakes
Forgive me over and over again
Please keep forgiving me for my repeated mistakes
Lord, do you hear me?
Lord, are You listening to me?
I just keep on callin'
I keep reaching out to You
I'm down on my knees and
I am humbling myself before You
Lord, You know I'm fallin'
You know that I am struggling
I am unfaithful
I have not been true to my commitment
I can't be the same way for two days
I seem to lose my consistency after a short time
I've been ungrateful for the good things that You
I have not been appreciative of the blessings that You
Bring my way
Have bestowed upon me
Over and over
Again and again
I'm down on my knees for the same sins
I am pleading for mercy for the same mistakes
Over and over
Again and again
Forgive me over and over again
Please keep forgiving me for my repeated mistakes
Contributed by London J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bryan Cudworth
Started my walk with the Lord with these guys & I began to DREAM!!!
1969nh
Hadn't heard this one in a while. One of my favorites among many great D and K songs
thatMimosaGrove
For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Romans 7:19
Pug Nacious
Dana Key.. you are now with the Lord. Miss you brother! When in college first time you guys came to Charlotte NC .. maybe 200 or less in attendance. 2nd time over 2k the Lord blessed you, Eddie and the boys. This song was my favorite. D&K helped break the barrier and you were pioneer.
Leslie Lear-Northington
phew! flashback! I'm in my Pinto, 1980,Flying down the road with my besties. I love what music can do. Mary is my favorite D and K song.