Family Affair
B.E.F. Lyrics
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It's a family affair, it's a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood's thicker than mud
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out
You can't leave, 'cause your heart is there
But you can't stay, 'cause you been somewhere else!
You can't cry, 'cause you'll look broke down
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down!
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Mom loves the both of them
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood's thicker than mud
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
The song "Family Affair" by B.E.F. & Lalah Hathaway is a song about the complexities of family relationships. The song begins with the chorus "It's a family affair" repeated several times, emphasizing the theme of the song. The first verse describes how children can grow up to be very different from one another, with one child being a successful learner and the other having negative qualities that make them hard to be around. Despite these differences, the mother loves both children equally because they share the same blood. The second verse describes a newlywed couple who are still getting to know each other and struggling with feeling both stuck in their relationship but also wanting to explore other options.
The chorus, "It's a family affair," is repeated throughout the song, reminding us that no matter what conflicts arise, family is a constant presence in our lives. The line "blood's thicker than mud" highlights the idea that family relationships are tied together by something deeper than just shared experiences or hobbies. Even if family members have different personalities or worldviews, they are still bound by their shared DNA.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the many different types of relationships within a family and how complicated these relationships can be. The repeated refrain of "it's a family affair" reminds us that family is a constant presence in our lives, and that despite any conflicts or differences, a family bond remains.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
The song is about a family and how everything about their lives is intertwined.
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
One of the children in the family turns out to be someone who is passionate about learning.
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Another child in the family is someone whom others dislike and may even consider hurting.
Mom loves the both of them
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood's thicker than mud
The mother loves both of her children, and this love comes naturally to her because they are her own flesh and blood. Despite their differences, both children are good to their mother, and family loyalty is strong.
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out
You can't leave, 'cause your heart is there
But you can't stay, 'cause you been somewhere else!
The song also touches on the struggles of relationships. The newlywed couple has only been married for a year, yet they are still uncertain about each other. Nobody wants to make a mistake, but nobody wants to be left out either. The heart wants to stay, but the mind is conflicted because they feel like they've been somewhere else in life.
You can't cry, 'cause you'll look broke down
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down!
The couple is also struggling on an emotional level, and they feel like they can't show their true feelings. They are trying to be strong, but they are breaking down inside and crying nonetheless.
It's a family affair
The chorus repeats the idea that everything in this song, including the struggles of the couple, is ultimately interconnected and happens within the context of a family.
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
This line simply reiterates the theme of the song and links each verse back to the idea of family.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind