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.
Mary
Degarmo & Key Lyrics
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With a heart so sad and your eyes filled with tears
Think back, think back, what did He say?
He said He would die but He'd raise the third day
And He's higher
He's raised up by the Father's power
Higher up from the grave
Mary, please don't be afraid
There's no man there where He did lay
Run now, run now, tell your friends
Jesus was dead but He lives again
He's risen
He's raised up with our sins forgiven
Risen up from the dead
He did what He said
Mary, why have you come here?
With a heart so sad and your eyes filled with tears?
Why don't you run now, run now, tell your friends
Jesus was dead but He lives again
He's risen, risen, risen today!
The song "Mary" by Degarmo & Key is a song of hope and encouragement about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lyrics begin by addressing Mary, who has come to the tomb where Jesus was buried with a heart full of sadness and tears in her eyes. The song then encourages Mary to remember what Jesus had told her about His death and resurrection. The chorus proclaims that Jesus is now higher, raised up by the Father's power and with the power to save.
As the song progresses, Mary is urged not to be afraid as there is no man where Jesus had been laid. She is encouraged to run and tell her friends that Jesus was once dead, but now He lives again. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that it brings to all who believe.
The song is a reminder of the central message of Christianity, which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lyrics encourage believers to remember that Jesus has conquered death and has the power to save us from our sins. The song is uplifting, inspiring, and gives hope to those going through challenging times.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary, why have you come here?
Asking, why are you here, what's going on?
With a heart so sad and your eyes filled with tears
Observing Mary's emotional state
Think back, think back, what did He say?
Asking Mary to recall Jesus' words
He said He would die but He'd raise the third day
Reminding Mary of Jesus' promise to rise from the dead
And He's higher
Stating Jesus has ascended to the heavens
He's raised up by the Father's power
Attributing Jesus' resurrection to the Father's power
Higher up from the grave
Describing Jesus' ascension from the grave into heaven
With the power to save
Highlighting Jesus' ability to save humanity from sin
Mary, please don't be afraid
Encouraging Mary to not be afraid
There's no man there where He did lay
Affirming that Jesus is no longer in the tomb
Run now, run now, tell your friends
Urging Mary to share the news of Jesus' resurrection
Jesus was dead but He lives again
Emphasizing the miraculous nature of Jesus' return to life
He's risen
Reiterating Jesus' resurrection
He's raised up with our sins forgiven
Explaining that Jesus' resurrection offers forgiveness for sins
Risen up from the dead
Describing the miraculous act of Jesus' resurrection
He did what He said
Affirming that Jesus fulfilled his promise to rise again
Mary, why have you come here?
Repeating the opening line
With a heart so sad and your eyes filled with tears?
Reiterating Mary's emotional state
Why don't you run now, run now, tell your friends
Encouraging Mary to spread the good news of Jesus' resurrection
Jesus was dead but He lives again
Restating the central message of the song
He's risen, risen, risen today!
Celebrating Jesus' triumph over death
Contributed by Elizabeth J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
3nails3days1way
This was amazing in concert. They really use the light show to support the song beautifully.