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.
The Rest of My Life
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
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All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more
The DeGarmo & Key song "The Rest of My Life" offers a reflective and nostalgic look back at the people and places that have shaped the songwriter's life. The opening verse describes a mix of emotions associated with these places, some of which have changed and some of which remain the same. Though the memories associated with each location may vary, they have all left a mark on the songwriter's life. The writer reflects on the past, noting that some of the people associated with these locations are still alive while others are long gone. It is here that the lyrics begin to hint at the central message of the song: that love is the thing that endures beyond all else.
The following verse is perhaps the most important in the song, as it introduces the central theme of love. At first, the writer speaks of the many friends and lovers he has had over the years, but then quickly narrows his focus to one particular person. It is this person who holds the key to understanding the song's message. The writer suggests that while memories of past loves may hold some meaning, when he thinks of love as something new, it is this person who stands out above all the rest.
The song then repeats the key message—that though the writer will always hold a special place in his heart for the people and things that came before, his love for this one person will only continue to grow stronger over time. Thus, "The Rest of My Life" is a deeply romantic song that celebrates the enduring power of love in the face of change and the passage of time.
Line by Line Meaning
There are places I'll remember
I have memories of places from my past
All my life, though some have changed
These memories span my entire life, but some things have changed over time
Some forever, not for better
Some of these changes weren't good and are permanent
Some have gone and some remain
Some of the things I remember are no longer there, while others still exist
All these places had their moments
Each place has its own unique memories for me
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
I shared these experiences with people I cared about and I can still remember them
Some are dead and some are living
Some of those people are no longer alive, but some are still around
In my life, I've loved them all
Despite any changes or losses, I have cherished all of these memories
But of all these friends and lovers
Out of all the people in my memories
There is no one compares with you
You are the most special to me
And these memories lose their meaning
The significance of these memories fades when compared to my love for you
When I think of love as something new
My love for you makes everything else feel brand new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
My love for the people and things of my past will always remain
For people and things that went before
For the people and things that came before you in my life
I know I'll often stop and think about them
I will reminisce about these memories frequently
In my life, I'll love you more
Despite everything else, my love for you will only continue to grow
Though I know I'll never lose affection
My love for the people and things of my past will always remain
For people and things that went before
For the people and things that came before you in my life
I know I'll often stop and think about them
I will reminisce about these memories frequently
In my life, I'll love you more
Despite everything else, my love for you will only continue to grow
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ONErpm, Unison Rights S.L., Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind