Family
Beyonce Anika Noni Rose Jennifer Hudson Jamie Foxx & Keith Robinson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

What about what I need?
Curtis says its the best thing for the group.
What about whats best for me?
He feels the Dreams can crossover.
What about how I feel?
But when we're famous I'll write great things for ya,
Effie do it for me.
What about me?
What about me?

It's more than you, it is more than me
No matter what we are, we are a family
This dream is for all of us, this one can be real,
And you cant stop us now because of how you feel
It's more than you,
It is more than me
Whatever dreams we have, there for the family,
We're not alone anymore now there are others there,
And that dreams big enough for all of us to share,
So don't think that your going,
You're not going anywhere, your staying and taking your share, and if
You get afraid again, I'll be there
We are a family like a giant tree branching out towards the sky, we are a family we
Are so much more than just you and I we are a family like a giant tree,
Growing stronger, growing wiser, we are growing free




We need you.
We are a family

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Family" from the musical film Dreamgirls explore the internal conflicts that arise within a group of friends who are trying to make it big in the music industry as The Dreams. Specifically, the lyrics focus on Effie White's (Jennifer Hudson) feelings of neglect and abandonment by her fellow bandmates, particularly Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who is more focused on the group's success than on the individual members' emotional and personal needs. The repeated refrain of "what about me?" highlights Effie's frustration and isolation as she feels like her concerns are being overlooked in favor of the group's goals.


However, the song's chorus emphasizes the importance of the group's familial bond and collective aspirations. The group's dream, as stated in the lyrics, "is for all of us," and the song urges each member to put aside their individual concerns in the interest of the larger goal. The metaphor of a "giant tree" emphasizes the idea that the group can only thrive if it works together, with each member contributing to the growth and success of the whole.


Overall, the lyrics to "Family" capture the complex dynamics of group dynamics, highlighting the tension between individual needs and group goals, and ultimately emphasizing the importance of a strong, cohesive unit that can weather any challenge.


Line by Line Meaning

What about what I need?
What about my wants and needs?


Curtis says its the best thing for the group.
Curtis thinks that it's best for the group.


What about whats best for me?
What about what's best for me as an individual?


He feels the Dreams can crossover.
He believes that the band can become successful in other genres.


What about how I feel?
What about my emotions and feelings?


But when we're famous I'll write great things for ya,
When we become famous, I will write excellent songs for you.


Effie do it for me.
Effie, please do it for me.


What about me?
What about my needs and desires?


What about me?
What about my wants and feelings?


It's more than you, it is more than me
This is not just about you or me.


No matter what we are, we are a family
Regardless of our differences, we are a single unit, a family.


This dream is for all of us, this one can be real,
This dream can come true for every one of us.


And you cant stop us now because of how you feel
No matter what you think or feel, there is nothing that can stop us now.


Whatever dreams we have, there for the family,
All of our dreams are for the good of our family.


We're not alone anymore now there are others there,
Our family has grown, and we are no longer alone.


And that dreams big enough for all of us to share,
The dream is large enough for each one of us to take part in it.


So don't think that your going,
Do not assume that you are leaving.


You're not going anywhere, your staying and taking your share, and if
You will remain here and do your part. And if ever


You get afraid again, I'll be there
If you become scared again, I will be thereto support you.


We are a family like a giant tree branching out towards the sky,
Our family is like a vast tree stretching to the sky.


we are a family we Are so much more than just you and I we are a family like a giant tree,
We are a family, and we signify something unique beyond the two of us. We are like a vast tree.


Growing stronger, growing wiser, we are growing free
We are becoming more robust, more knowledgeable and wiser. We are growing free.


We need you.
We count on you to achieve our collective dream.


We are a family
We are a single unit, a family.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOM WHITLOCK, STEVE BATES, LARRY LEE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions