The Family Man Songfacts says that Georgian native Craig Campbell had alrea… Read Full Bio ↴The Family Man Songfacts says that Georgian native Craig Campbell had already been playing piano at his mother's church since the age of 10 when he formed his band called Out of the Blue. In 2002 Campbell moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he landed a steady gig at The Stage, one of the biggest clubs in the city's famed Lower Broadway and recorded demo sessions for other singers. After meeting and befriending fellow Georgian Luke Bryan, Campbell was persuaded to start writing his own songs. Record producer Keith Stegall caught one of Campbell's performances at The Stage in 2008 and signed him to his Bigger Picture Music Group. He eventually released his debut single, Family Man in late 2010, which slowly built up radio plays and sales before finally debuting at #86 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of April 9, 2011. The song was included on Campbell's self-titled debut album, which was produced by Steggall and released on April 5, 2011.

Family Man
Craig Campbell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've been working as a temp
At the local factory
I hope they hire me on full time
I've got shoes to buy
And mouths to feed

I drive a buy here, pay here truck
It ain't new, but it is to me

It ain't much but it fires right up
And gets me from A to B

What puts the dirt underneath my nails?
What keeps the calluses on my hands?
Family man

They're the world my world revolves around
My sacred piece of solid ground
The flesh and bone that gives me strength to stand
They're the fire in my drivin' on
The drive behind my comin' home
The livin', breathin', reason that I am
A family man

There's dirty shirts to wash
Dishes in the sink to do
And there's, "How many times does seventeen go into fifty-two?"
There's bedtime prayers to pray
"Sleep tights" and "I love you's"
And then there's a pair of eyes
I get to lose myself into

What keeps me keepin' the faith
What makes me believe I can
Family man

They're the world my world revolves around
My sacred piece of solid ground
The flesh and bone that gives me strength to stand
They're the fire in my drivin' on
The drive behind my comin' home
The livin', breathin', reason that I am
A family man

There's a fire in my drivin' on
The drive behind my comin' home
The livin', breathin', reason that I am
A family man

A family man (hmm)

Overall Meaning

In the song "Family Man" by Craig Campbell, he portrays the perspective of a hardworking individual who is committed to his family. The song revolves around the daily hustle of a man who is working as a temp in a local factory as he hopes to get a full-time job, so he can provide for his family. He mentions that he drives a truck that he got from a buy here, pay here, store which isn't new, but it is reliable, and it gets him to his destinations. The song puts emphasis on the challenges that come with being a family man, such as dirty shirts and dishes, bedtime prayers and math homework, but he states that he wouldn't trade it for anything else, as the family is his sacred solid ground, and his driving force.

Craig Campbell's "Family Man" is a song that portrays a unique post-modern family, where the father is committed to becoming the breadwinner of the family through sheer will, persistence, and resilience. The song preaches about the beauty of having a family that provides comfort, direction, and strength; it emphasizes that fathers are the backbone of a family, and they are worthy of praise for their contributions. The lyrics are relatable to many individuals who are trying to balance the struggles of working a nine-to-five job while tending to their families. Craig Campbell's soulful country rhythm adds an extra layer to the already beautiful message, making the song a heartwarming and inspiring piece of music.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been working as a temp
I have a temporary job

At the local factory
I work at a nearby factory

I hope they hire me on full time
I'm looking for a permanent job

I've got shoes to buy
I need to buy shoes

And mouths to feed
I have people who depend on me for food

I drive a buy here, pay here truck
I own a truck which I bought on payment plans

It ain't new, but it is to me
My truck is used but I'm happy with it

It ain't much but it fires right up
My truck is not fancy but it starts well

And gets me from A to B
My truck takes me wherever I need to go

What puts the dirt underneath my nails?
What do I do to get dirt under my nails?

What keeps the calluses on my hands?
What activity makes my hands calloused?

Family man
Being a family man shapes me as a person

They're the world my world revolves around
My family is my world and my focus

My sacred piece of solid ground
My family is my foundation

The flesh and bone that gives me strength to stand
My family is the source of my strength

The fire in my drivin' on
My family's love drives me forward

The drive behind my comin' home
I'm motivated to come home by my family

The livin', breathin', reason that I am
My family is the reason I exist

There's dirty shirts to wash
I have laundry to do

Dishes in the sink to do
I have dishes to wash

And there's, "How many times does seventeen go into fifty-two?"
I help my kids with their math homework

There's bedtime prayers to pray
I pray with my kids before they sleep

"Sleep tights" and "I love you's"
I say goodnight and express my love to my kids

And then there's a pair of eyes
My child's eyes captivate me

I get to lose myself into
I get lost in my child's eyes

What keeps me keepin' the faith
What gives me hope and motivation

What makes me believe I can
What makes me confident in myself

A family man
Being a family man gives me hope and confidence

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Craig Campbell, Joel Eric Shewmake, Jon Henderson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

Rachel Sizemore

13y↑8

It's so refreshing hearing genuinely good country like this again. Thanks and keep it up!!

Mohd Afiq Mat Razai

13y↑7

This is why I love Country Music. Style and Substance, both in a genre!

Glenn Green

6y↑13

One of my all time favorites. This song never gets old to me. Craig deserves much more recognition than he gets.

Chelsea Sword

13y↑6

This man is a rising star, he'll be one to set some records! He's got an amazing voice and shows he loves what he does. I went and seen him in Louisa, I was so excited. I've watched him on GAC & CMT and always hoped I'd get to meet him and I did! Best thing about it is, I got a picture, I know he ook several so he'll never remember but that's a memory to be forever lasting in my world! :) I love you Craig Campbell!!!! <3

bonnie ikamas

Now this is true country music! Grateful ❤️

miranda trosclair

13y↑4

This song is so beautiful.It describes my husband fully! It made me tear up at 7:30am.

Doug Sommers

13y↑1

This is a great song to keep the average family man going in life or the one looking to start a family. Craig keep up the good work you've got a great song that has a lot of meaning. Everyone should have at least a little country in life.

Sidney Arias

13y↑3

Love this song!!!!this is my fav country song!!!

Phil Bennett

10y↑4

What a well-written song!! Thank you guys.

King Sasquatch

13y↑2

good old classic country sound! love it

Joel A

13y↑6

This song reminds me alot of my dad, I remember growing up and him working alot, we never went hungry, and always had clothes on our backs, and it reminds me of what I am doing now, working hard to provide for your family. My parents showed me that there will be hard times, but you just do what you have to do, things will get better.

William Rye

13y

This is a wonderful song we need more people around that cares about there family like he does bc if we had them our world wouldnt suck as bad as it does and this song is true about everything

Sean Perry

13y

This song will speak true to the real fathers out there. There are a lot of people that like to call themselves fathers who never had the right to have kids in the first place. This song speaks true to me, I work in the oil field and don't get home a lot to see my family.What i do is for them. Even though I had a good life, I want my kids to have a better one. Great song!

85flht

13y

This song is like an anthem for all of the working men out there. I used to think I was having a great life when I was single. My life is perfect now and I can't imagine how it could be any better.

jshort92

12y↑18

this is a really good song, i quit school and went to work and now me and my fiance have been goin through some hard times, we just had a son that was born when he was only 28 weeks, between workin and drivin to the hospital everyday for 2 months, its hard but the more i think bout that little man the harder i work, i live in wv and i work buildin shuttle cars, feeders, and all machanic work on them, for the coal mines, i like to come home and listen to this and set with my lil man

patrick lang

31w↑2

11 years later. How did it go? Hope you see this and respond

MrRod66749

13y↑1

I love this song. I'm currently stationed overseas with the Air Force and this song describes why I do what I do. My family is my drive behind my coming home.

Paula Jane

3y↑3

I love everything about this song forever so sweet always ♥️🎸💯

Amanda Foutz Fisher

12y↑3

I love this video. I love how they write the letters to each other knowing one will be asleep when the other returns home.

SuperIowahawks

13y

Crazy how much this song rings true. Best song out there right now!

Redbilly8

9y↑33

One of the best songs in country music.

Kaitlyn Thomas

13y↑3

this is such a beautiful song. This is the first time mum and me have heard it and we are both sitting here crying thinking of my daddy and how hard he works for us and everything he does. Great song craig... hugs all the way from australia

Terri Wilson

3y↑2

All of your songs are fantastic keep up with the good work my friend 😊❤

Mike Compton

13y

This is a great song! A song that so many I know can relate too...wish the would play it on the radio more!!

amanduhhh95

13y↑1

This song reminds me of my dad. My dad has always worked hard to support me my mom and my sister. He's been a welder all his life but he has always made sure we had everything we needed. My dad is a great man. He's always done the best he could for us.

TheRyno411

13y↑2

Amazing song for all the true men out there the family men.. Stay strong

AJBluesman

13y↑2

Beautiful composition ! Great voice ! Gifted :)

Cassandra Larson

13y↑2

I love this song! Always gives me goosebumps!

Dylan Seay

Amen

Alilynn85

13y↑3

This song never fails to bring me to tears. My significant other is in Afghanistan right now as a contractor helping the military maintain their computers. This song I can say from my heart is dedicated to him. He has made sacrifices above and beyond as a man to provide for his family and I love him with all my heart for that. He is and will always be me and our children's "Family Man"

tina

13y↑2

this song is perfect it makes me think of my husband. He works out of town and is a family man. love it!!!!

SRD7485

13y↑2

I first heard this song a couple weeks ago on the radio and instantly downloaded it from the iTunes store onto my iPhone! Love it! Also downloaded this video. And yes us farmers can have and use fancy technology too.

Samantha Floyd

6y↑1

I love this song. It gets me thinking of how much I love my family.

Patrick Kanas

This song goes out to my dad, my brother, my grandpa, and every father out there who puts their nose to the grindstone for the good of their family every day

slyguykevin21

13y↑1

i listen to this song everyday! it has such a great meaning for the good guys that are still out there!

OutOfHerMind

13y↑1

I love this song ♥ Craig's a really good singer. So inspiring. :)

Hannah Mavrich

13y

I love this song. Every time me and my boyfriend hear this song, we think of each other. So we decided to make this our song (: this is such an amazing song :)

Andrew Hauck

13y

great video. very inspiring lyrics. wish there were more people in the world like this. shame to the dislikers.

Felicia Brooke

13y↑2

this song is just simply amazing.

Dracosgal8

13y

I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert at the State fair of Viginia, He is one truely talented singer him and his band are a true delight :D

Family Adams

13y↑2

Damnit now my makeup is running! This song gets me every time! Love it, need a feel good song once in a while.

Roku Morris

12y

Such a fine moraly strong song for these times!I love it!

Brandon Davis

every time I hear this I break down with tears..im out here tryin to support my wife and 4 kids paycheck to paycheck...thank God for country music like this

Paula Jane

4y↑1

I love everything about this song forever 😍💯❤🎸

Paula Jane

3y↑1

I love everything about this sweet song needs to be played on country radio ❤🎸❤

Joseph Damicis

13y↑8

This is one of my favorite songs because it's me all day! I work 85 hours a week to provide for my family and I would never change that for anything!!!

Nicholas Donin

No you don't. You're just absent.

SanJoseMA

43w

Exactly. 85 hours you don't see your family. Are y9u that poor?

ggroff73

33w

12 days on, 2 off, 4 days a month. My wife and my 3 daughters mean more to me than breathing .
I bust my ass for my family and will until I can't anymore

Joseph Damicis

33w↑1

Far from poor guy. Just built our dream home 2 years ago and living my best life. My comment was made 12 years ago btw. I work 24 hour shifts x3 days a week. I spend a lot of time with my family, but thanks for trolling.

CukieMonster YT

32w

@SanJoseMAwow

1 More Replies...

Rufus Watson

13y

I love this song. The first time I heard it I fell in love with it. This a song that men should paid close attention to. It tell very heart-warming story.

P51ride

12y

It doesn't matter what nationality you are. Country music comes from the heart. One song that a local country radio station played during the Veterans Day weekend almost caused me to wreck my car. The song was "More Than A Name On The Wall" by the Statler Brothers

Glenn Grey

Love this song. Lands close to my heart

Nick Tangen

12y

I think the "Official Videos" is what should be played on the radio because they should some much more into the story line of the song. Like watching this video you hear the husband and wife speaking what they are actually writing to each other in letters and I think the full version broadcasts such a more powerful message than just what's played on the radio.

Paula Jane

3y↑1

I love everything about this song forever ❤🎸💯😍😎

Robert Sizemore

13y↑2

Very Awesome song, it actually brought tears to my eyes. I went through all that 3 yrs ago, I did get the full time positions though, thank the Lord. I wear shoes out fast too, lol. Looking forward to the album, March 1st. My birthday is March 3, I'm willing to bet my wife will get it for me, along with a Ruger Super Redhawk, :):)

Jody Allen

This is a beautiful song I love it.❤

William Johnson

13y

Truly an awesome song ! i do the same for my wife and 2 kids they are certainly my reason for driving on :)

2nd amendment

9y↑11

I played this for my wife in 2011 when I was working 18hour doubles. Tears but she had no idea how much I missed my family. It may be a job to some but its your heart and soul to others.

angel liner

True

bj mccoy

Damn man. You hit me at home with this one. Words to words. My life. In this song. Awesome song.

「ロゼ隊」ユニ

13y

I question how you can dislike this song, and I mean the 4 so far who have disliked this song. Now if they don't like country I understand, we all have our taste's, but this is a wonderful song. I hope that I too can be like that when I marry that one woman that is meant for me and give all that I can to my family.

Tommy Brooks

12y

i love this song. its talking about the right stuff and how it is.

The Shuffle Sports Cards and More

9y↑13

The first time I heard this song I teared up. Then Craig came in concert at a venue I used to work at for many years and I heard it live. It was shortly after this songs release. During sound check it was hard to hide emotion, the song hits so many in the heart especially me. Hearing him put the emotion of song out there live, even during sound check gave me goose bumps. I never got the chance to say thank you for that moment, so THANK YOU Craig, I use this song for motivation every time I find myself getting down about any BS in my life or day to day, its FAMILY, that comes first, Its FAMILY that drives me and its this song that really makes me feel the FAMILY man in me. Just wanted to share my thoughts.

Dereck Mejia

41w

This is one of my all time favorite songs.

Fatal Disco

This is one of the best produced country songs I have ever heard.

Dustin checkley

13y↑1

This song says it all, My dad has and still has worked hard his all life, he's never asked for much or exspected anything more from anyone other than respect. The dreams he has put aside to give me and my brother and sister a better life is a debt that can never be repaid. Money will never ever buy what he has instilled and carved into our character as people. When you will give up the betterment of yourself to provide for others is something I'll pass into my family, Thanks dad

Richard Cristobal

13y

I love this song.... It makes me think of my dad, he works in a job he couldn't care less for, but he does it for his family. I worked in a factory, to make sure my brother had food and I hated it. now i'm in college now that he can take care of himselve, I still do for him what I can. In the factory I made friends and realized factories are full of family men and women.

Russell Real

This is what we need now more than ever...family values and the drive too keep them values...this song is ensuring what our country is lacking!

garrettclancemusic

We had our son in November of last year. This song and the meaning behind it gets me going when I don’t want to go any more. If I’m having a bad day at work I think of my son and my wife.

WE0H

13y

That really hits home. One hell of a cool story. Thanks for sharing it on You Tube :)

Patrick Weimar

9y↑1

I love this song!! Every time I hear it I tear up because my husband is away at work a lot! The lyrics of this song are what he's always told me to keep my head held high! I love it!❤️

rey3058able

13y↑2

I love this song,, good job dude..

Josh Dillon

11y

My wife has stood by me for 10 years and never let me fail. Now we have 3 wonderful Kids. I love be a family man this song hits every time I hear it. Thank you god for my family.

bigjamesbond530

13y

I love this song! I don't understand why it doesn't have more views...

Hayley G

13y

Oh. my gosh. I just can't get enough of this song. It's freakkking AMAZING. Really makes me think about life. it almost makes me want to cryy.

Mama pitbull

13y

I love this song. I think of my daddy every time i hear this song cuz it is what is happening to him and our family.

Shelby Bouwel

This song fits my husband right to the T. I love you Rob and so does our daughter. We appreciate everything you do💓💓💓💓💓💓

erica May

13y

Thank you for the song..Men really need to feel appreciated for what they do. Thank God for the family man!!!! This song speaks to a lot of peoples every day life. Thanks again for the beautiful inspiring song...oh the letter for his wife at the end was a good touch too. ;)

Josh S

13y

I first heard this song and honestly didn't care for it . But now i really can't get enough of it. Great Song!

Prairie Dad

12y

Until a few days ago, I thought this song was just OK. Then, on Friday, I learned I'm going to be a father. This song really gets to me now.

BigHutch70

13y

There's something that just strikes a chord in me with this song. This song, especially in the times we live in, deserves a lot more play.

Fjs8854

13y

This song is so beautiful it makes want to cry, its just breathe taking!

Michelle Rasberry

13y

this song reminds me of my dad everytime i listen to it he works so hard to provide for the family and even when my mom left us he work so hard to provide for the three kids she left with him and i havent ever thanked him for bein there when my mom wasnt...I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

Richard J Adrian

13y

This song hits very close to home for me, as a temp working 13 hours a day 7 days a week on the pressline making fiberglass autobody parts for a factory in NC doing what i got to do to support my new wife and daughter in cali and get them back at my side again. My wife and daughter good lord bless and keep them are the only thing keeping me going. The 2 happyest moments in my life were getting married and learning i had a baby on the way, I draw on those for strength daily.

trapangler

13y

@ wazibi, always take pride in what you do man. I am a new husband and father. My family means the WORLD to me and when things got tough, not finding jobs and what not due to the economy, I began to serve my country in the United States Army. I did what I had to do to support my amazing family. I'm glad to see there are still people like you in the world, who want nothing but the best for their family. That what this country needs. KEEP that attitude man, and keep your faith in God above.

Tracey Hayward

Love this . Great country song

Todd Stansbery

13y

I am a United States Navy Sailor. This song is helping me through a tough time. I love my wife and two children. Here's for you Austin and Peyton

Josh S

13y

this song is amazing it re4ally sums up the hard working american man who only wants his family to have what they need and show how much they mean to them, hats off gentlemen!!

speakinwordsman

13y

i saw this guy live a couple days ago. hes awesome

Amy Williams

3y↑1

This song reminds me of the good times growing up with my dad, he was a damn good worker to provide for his family.

philbrickr

12y

He can sing sooo goooood ... iSeen him in concert last night.

NickAlix

13y

If this song doesn't give you goosebumps then you have no soul!

Brent Scott

11y

this song is just me from beginning to end, i love my family more than life its self, i work as a temp at awp saw mill, love this song never gets old

Raisinbeef86

13y↑1

A family man is not a family man without the support of his loving wife. Great song Campbell!!

Mike Meme

13y↑6

I'm an 18 year old "Metal-Head" guy, but no matter what is going on, this song still makes me smile. It reminds me of my uncle, a true family man, worked every day of his life till the minute his heart stopped. People like him make this world worth fighting for. People like him give me hope.

Clay Armontrout

7y↑6

can't beat this song. I'm fixing to go spend 6 months in the mountains of Idaho and God only knows where else fighting wildfires. times at home are tough, but this song here and boots on the ground give me the motivation I need to keep on keepin on. God bless true country music.

Tommy James

I am an everyday family man, my kids and wife mean the world to me. This song hits it right on the head about what we do it for!!

familyman1307

13y

every fn time i hear this song i tear up if u have a family u would understand.this song is word for word the truth. love it if i had more than 2 thumbs i would put those up. best song ever!!!!

Antheni

13y

i absolutely love this song!!!! :)

allaspects10

13y

amazing song. first time ive really heard this song and ive had it on my mind all day. i cant imagine a better song for a working man providing for a loving family that supports him throughout his struggling. keep it up man!

Charles Ashley

12y

My chest hurts each time I listen to this song because of how much it touches me :'(

Shane&Steph Whitefield

7y↑193

life is hard, but a real man, a real family man will always do what it takes to keep the family safe, and happy for as long as the Lord will let him.

T Man

6y↑4

Shane&Steph Whitefield
Amen. Unfortunately there aren't many men like that anymore. Least ways not where I live. It's sad to see. But there's not much we can do to change it except be the best we can and respect those who are dear to us and even to some regard those who aren't

Oluwaseun Prosper Popoola

True, also pray to God you don't meet a woman who makes you feel insufficient.

Peyton Harrison

My daddy did till he passed away when I was only 10 now I am 12

Austin Curry

3y↑2

@Peyton Harrison sorry for your loss buddy

Peyton Harrison

@Austin Curry its fine.

1 More Replies...

Mantooth85

13y

awesome song....saw this guy live which i definetly recommend to anyone

ronjon89

13y

This song is amazing.

Man Hattan

13y

Really good country music!

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