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.
Ultimate Ruler
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Running on ego, never satisfied
Some are unhappy, till [Incomprehensible] land
But I don't worry 'cause I'm in Gods hand
Say, amen, amen, say, amen, amen, amen
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the ultimate ruler of it all
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
He's the ultimate ruler of it all
Some got a problem with the higher post
They enter to no one on a selfish coast
That's not for me and the world to say
God rules the day just like yesterday
Say, amen, amen, say, amen, amen, amen
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
He's the ultimate ruler of it all
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
He's the ultimate ruler of it all
Say, amen, amen, say, amen, amen, amen
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
He's the ultimate ruler of it all
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
Yeah, he's the ultimate ruler of it all
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
He's the master, I'm the servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
He's the ultimate ruler, oh yeah
Say, amen, amen, say, amen, amen, amen
In "Ultimate Ruler," DeGarmo & Key explore the idea of surrendering control to God and recognizing His sovereignty over all aspects of life, emphasizing that the ultimate ruler is none other than God himself. The song begins by highlighting how some people are constantly anxious about the ups and downs of life, constantly seeking satisfaction and fulfillment through their ego. However, for the singer of the song, there is no room for worry because they have placed trust in God as their ultimate ruler.
The chorus of the song drives home the message of surrender and submission to God's authority, with the emphasis placed on the fact that the singer is a servant of God, while God is the master. The transformational power of God's authority is further emphasized by the line that says, "He's the ultimate ruler of it all." The second verse pivots into a broader societal critique, with the artists expressing their disdain towards those who are obsessed with attaining worldly power. The lyrics suggest that such desires lead to selfishness, and therefore, do not reflect the true nature of surrendering to God's sovereignty.
Overall, the song stresses that believers should not be afraid to relinquish control of their lives to God, recognizing that he is the ultimate ruler in every situation. Surrendering to God's plans, acknowledging Him as the king, and viewing oneself as a servant all culminate in developing a strong foundation of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people are nervous about the things in life
There are people who are worried about various things in life
Running on ego, never satisfied
They are driven by their ego and are never content with what they have
Some are unhappy, till [Incomprehensible] land
Others cannot find happiness until some undefined goal is reached
But I don't worry 'cause I'm in Gods hand
The singer is not worried because they believe they are in God's protection
He's the master, I'm the servant
The relationship between God and the singer is like a master and servant
He's the king, I'm the subject
God is like a king and the singer is like a subject
He's the ultimate ruler of it all
God is the one who ultimately governs everything
Some got a problem with the higher post
Some people have a problem with those in higher positions
They enter to no one on a selfish coast
These people are only concerned for themselves
That's not for me and the world to say
The singer does not want to comment on this matter
God rules the day just like yesterday
Instead, the singer believes that God is in charge of everything, just as He has always been
He's the ultimate ruler, oh yeah
God is the ultimate ruler
Contributed by Stella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chazmology
Followed my brothers in Christ right to the end...sweet voice Eddy
@douglaspenland1550
Loved these guys!!!!
@rickflinn8658
Good stuff Maynard; Music Evangelism; Sold Out leadership! Fruit that Remains! Bless You!
@ruthrhinier9595
Love D&K! They always knew how to jam and put on a great show! And how cool is Tommy Cathey!!