Born and raised in the musical hotbed of the Mississippi Delta, the young Roby Duke listened to the magical musical storytelling that only long-time Southerners can spin. Against the backdrop of drawn out, humid summers and a variety of jazz and blues influences, Duke began to fashion sounds all his own, experimenting with all kinds of instruments along the way.
"I started playing instruments when I was 8. I was kind of a prodigy and could play well without a lot of instruction," Duke says of his early musical days. "I could just pick up instruments and go. My dad's band, The Delta Rhythm Boys, played the clubs and honky-tonks. One day he fired his bass player. I went to work the next night. I was 12 years old. I idolized my dad, and so I knew every song he liked."
In 1990, he moved to Seattle, Washington and built his own studio where he now produces and does specialized recording work in addition to personal
appearances.
Roby Duke has released 5 albums. His solo debut album originally released under the label named MCA / Songbird, USA, which was established as the Contemporary Christian Music label distributed by MCA.
After closing Songbird label, Roby continued to release 4 albums: "Come Let Us The Reason" (1984), "Blue Eyed Soul" (1986), "Down To Business" (1989) and "Bridge Divine"(1994) ) with Ocean Records, USA. Among his albums, 1st album "Not The Same" (this album) is said to be masterpiece albums among AOR/Westcoast Pop Music freaks.
From Website: http://www.bluedesert.dk/robyduke.html
Roby passed on to be with Jesus on December 26, 2007. Beloved by many, he will be missed; however, his musical legacy and his faithfulness will live on.
Promised Land
Roby Duke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You and I had come
A long way Lord
Together we're traveling on a journey
That someday will find an end
When we will cross that river
Into a promise land
Where we'll never see
Many a pilgrims footprints
I have seen along my way
I can tell by the size they left
That we'll grow stronger everyday
See we're gonna cross that river
Into a promise land
Where we'll never see
A broken heart again
Many a tear has fallen from my eyes, ohohh
Hurting for those who came to see the light
What about you my lonely friend
I see it in your eyes
I can tell that the Spirit's calling
He sees through your disguise
See — you can cross that river
Into a promise land
Where you'll never see
A broken heart again, ohohh
Many a tear has fallen from my eyes
Hurting for those who came to see the light
What about you my lonely friend
I see it in your eyes
I can tell that the Spirit's calling
He sees through your world of lies
See — you can cross that river
Into a promise land
Where you'll never see
A broken heart
Where you'll never see
A broken heart
Where you'll never have
A broken heart again
Roby Duke's song "Promised Land" talks about a journey that the singer has taken with God over many years, and now, together, they are traveling towards a promised land where they will find an end. The singer has seen many pilgrims along the way, and their footprints have left a mark that tells them that they will become stronger every day. They will eventually cross a river to reach the promised land, where they will never see a broken heart again.
The song also speaks about the singer's personal experiences of seeing many tears fall from their eyes as they hurt for those who came to see the light. They can tell that the Spirit is calling out to their lonely friend, seeing through their disguise, and telling them that they too can cross the river into the promised land, where they will never see a broken heart again.
The song highlights the strength and power of faith and how it can guide individuals through life's journeys. It reminds us that no matter how tough the road might seem, there is always a promised land waiting for us on the other side. It gives us hope and comfort in the knowledge that we will eventually reach the end of our journey, and our hearts will be whole once again.
Line by Line Meaning
Through many years
Over a long period of time
You and I had come
We have come together
A long way Lord
We have come a long distance with the help of God
Together we're traveling on a journey
We are experiencing life's journey together
That someday will find an end
Life's journey has an end somewhere in the future
When we will cross that river
When we will reach the end of the journey
Into a promise land
Reached a place of happiness and contentment
Where we'll never see
A place where we will not experience
A broken heart again
Being hurt or unhappy ever again
Many a pilgrims footprints
I have observed the footsteps of many travelers
I have seen along my way
I have observed many things on life's journey
I can tell by the size they left
I can guess from the size of the footsteps
That we'll grow stronger everyday
We'll become stronger each day
See we're gonna cross that river
We are going to reach the end of the journey
I can tell that the Spirit's calling
I can sense the presence of the divine
He sees through your disguise
The divine see past your outer image
See - you can cross that river
You are capable of reaching your destination
Where you'll never have
A place where you will never experience
A broken heart again
Being hurt or unhappy ever again
Contributed by Dominic K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ronvillarreal5003
In tears...GOD is so good...blessed be His name!
@AnberlinAMV
Rest in Peace Roby, You've crossed the river into the promised land and you'll never have a broken heart again! Your sister in Christ
@charlyduck9459
I don’t know how anyone could give this song a thumbs down. This is such a moving, deep song. I can hardly contain the gratitude I feel to God, intense, my spirit just soars...💕💕💕
@ChristianClassicRock
I couldn't agree more. I just hope the 2 who voted it down were touched by our Lord and will someday understand. Thanks for visiting the page, and hope you enjoy the channel!
@charlyduck9459
ChristianClassicRock I was so pleased to find Roby Duke especially...I was talking with my Pastor and a good friend of mine and we were talking about Christopher Cross and it reminded me of Roby Duke because I always thought they sounded alike. And man! How I missed this most angelic voice. His voice is like warm, healing oil from heaven! 💕💕💕 I haven’t heard these songs in so long, they are like brand new again! 💕💕💕
@VictorMetalSoldier
Probably one of the most touching power-ballads of the Westcoast/CCM world. 1982 was a perfect year for music.
@CheersNE
I agree!
@richardedwards2463
A song that makes me weep for the lost. It causes great emotion for those who are lost. Written by a man who knew this same experience. See you soon dear brother.
@lucillesmith2443
Beautiful
@davidchiang6459
Roby's music is simply great and brings back memories of AOR/CCM in the 70s. I am glad I managed to get a copy of Come Let Us Reason from Sweet-Music. Great CD and I will never tire of it