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.
Wayfaring Stranger
DeGarmo & Key Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Traveling through this world of woe
I swear there's no pain
I know there's no danger
In that bright world to which I go
I want to sing that salvation story
In concert with that blood-washed band
That crown of glory
When I get to that good land
(repeat first verse)
The lyrics of DeGarmo & Key's song Wayfaring Stranger describe the journey of a traveler navigating through a tumultuous world. The traveler identifies as a "poor wayfaring stranger" with no possession to his name but the hope of reaching a better place beyond this present world. The phrase "world of woe" suggests that the traveler is facing challenging times and perhaps the weight of the world is resting heavy on his shoulders. Regardless, he is resolute in his belief that there is no danger in the world to come and that he will realize his salvation in that bright new world.
The second verse of the song expands on the traveler's desire to be among a blood-washed band and to sing of his salvation story. The reference to the "blood-washed band" is likely an allusion to the cleansing power of blood, namely the blood of Jesus Christ, a common theme in Christian hymns. The final line of the second verse speaks of the crown of glory, an image taken from the Bible and a reward that awaits believers who remain faithful to the end. Overall, the lyrics of Wayfaring Stranger speak to the Christian believer's hope in the face of adversity and the ultimate promise of eternal life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
I am a traveler, wandering aimlessly through life with no permanent home.
Traveling through this world of woe
Traversing this earthly realm filled with suffering, pain, and hardship.
I swear there's no pain
I am so sure that the afterlife will be free from all kinds of pain and suffering.
I know there's no danger
I am confident that there will be no hazards in the life beyond this one.
In that bright world to which I go
I am referring to the eternal life in heaven and its brightness compared to this temporary, materialistic world.
I want to sing that salvation story
I desire to recite the tale of redemption of my soul to the savior in the company of all individuals that have earned salvation.
In concert with that blood-washed band
I mean to assert the fact that my soul has been washed away from all the impurities by the blood of Jesus Christ, and I want to sing in harmony with fellow devotees.
I want to wear
I aspire to be adorned with.
That crown of glory
I desire the crown bestowed upon good Christians in the afterlife.
When I get to that good land
I am denoting paradise, where those who have lived a faithful life, full of good deeds, and belief in God will end up.
(repeat first verse)
I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger, traveling through this world of woe; I swear there's no pain, I know there's no danger, in that bright world to which I go.
Contributed by Emily M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chrisgreen67
Such a perfect song. This may be my favorite discovery from following your channel -- and I'm not even into CCM.
@thatMimosaGrove
chrisgreen67 You just made my day, Chris! Thanks!
@brucebreshears1694
This studio version recording seemed to set just the right mood and expressive feel for this traditional song, topped off with some very tasteful instrumental breaks. D&K definitely made this song their own with a soulful progressive blues rock style. It's one of my favorite D&K songs!
With Dana Key's passing and from the lyrical context of the song, I can totally imagine Dana now being at home in that good and bright land, checking out that crown of glory! :)
@michaelcurl9817
I was a board operator at the fist K LOVE FM radio station in Santa Rosa California 1982 to 1986. I played this song during my shift on the radio many times, it's one of my favorites. Little did I know that K LOVE would go nation and world wide after starting out as a small 300 watt radio station.
@magistersteveperkins
Outstanding! I had no idea they had such a great sound before the pop days. Great groove!
@jaymart241
Brilliant! back in the day i would consume this album. DeGarmo & Key, Paul Clark, Sweet Comfort Band, Phil Keaggy, Daniel Amos, Joe English, Sonlight, Chuck Girard & Love Song, Erick Nelson. Just to name a few. I miss those days. Good times for sure.
@bobkilpatrick6320
I used to be a partner in a Christian rock band in the early ‘80s and this was one of my favorites!!!
@BJTBR1
and Seawind
@KC3141
In season 6 episode 4 of The Andy Griffith Show, Andy briefly plays and whistles this song.
@willypete1354
Best version