In 2006, Holcomb married his longtime friend and singing partner, Ellie Holcomb (nee Bannister), and relocated to her hometown of Nashville. The rest of the band, guitarist Nathan Dugger, bassist Rich Brinsfield, and drummer Jon Radford also lived in the same East Nashville area, hence the group name.
Their albums include "A Neighborly Christmas" (2007), "Passenger Seat" (2008), "A Million Miles Away" (2009), "Chasing Someday" (2011), "Through the Night: Live in the Studio" (2012), and "Good Light" (2013).
Family
Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Family, running through the yard
Family, going on vacation
Family, on the credit card
Family, all in this together
Family, we're taking a chance
Family, like birds of feather
Family, on the way to the city
Family, laughing in the rain
Family, it ain't always pretty
Family, can drive you insane
Family, got the keys to the kingdom
Family, take it a la carte
Family, all four seasons
Family, well bless your heart
You don't choose em, you can't lose em
We all have a song to sing
Some are crazy, some are amazing
All got a little bit of everything
Family, sons and daughters
Family, like a photograph
Family, baptized in the water
Family, put me on the map
Family, all in this together
Family, taking a chance
Family, like birds of feather
Family, kick off your shoes and dance
The lyrics to Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors' song "Family" celebrates the beauty and complexity of family dynamics. It emphasizes that no matter how diverse or challenging a family may be, they are bound together by love and shared experiences. The song portrays different aspects of family life, painting a vivid picture of familial connection.
The opening lines of the song epitomize the warmth and familiarity of family life. Singing in the kitchen and running through the yard captures the essence of carefree moments and shared joy. The mention of going on vacation and using the credit card underscores the idea of creating lasting memories together, even if it comes with a cost.
The chorus highlights the idea that, despite the ups and downs, family members are in it together. It encourages unity and taking risks as a family unit. The reference to birds of a feather emphasizes the bond that exists between family members and the freedom to let loose and enjoy life, represented by kicking off one's shoes and dancing.
The subsequent verses continue to depict the various aspects of family life. Going to the city and laughing in the rain symbolize the adventures and joyful moments experienced as a family. However, the line "it ain't always pretty, family can drive you insane" acknowledges that family life isn't always smooth sailing. It recognizes the challenges and conflicts that can arise within a family, but ultimately suggests that these imperfections are part of what makes a family unique and interesting.
The mention of having the keys to the kingdom and experiencing all four seasons suggests the completeness and richness that family brings. The choice of the phrase "well bless your heart" adds a touch of Southern charm and affectionate familiarity to the song.
In the final verse, the lyrics shift to emphasize the individual members of the family. Sons and daughters are compared to a photograph, capturing a moment frozen in time. The mention of being baptized in the water symbolizes the spiritual and emotional connection within a family. The line "put me on the map" conveys a sense of belonging and identity that family provides, shaping an individual's sense of self.
Overall, "Family" celebrates both the joyous and challenging aspects of family life, acknowledging that every family has its own unique story to tell.
Line by Line Meaning
Family, singing in the kitchen
The joy and unity of family can be felt as they come together, singing and enjoying each other's company in the comfort of their home
Family, running through the yard
The energetic and carefree moments of childhood with family, where they play and run around happily in the yard
Family, going on vacation
The shared experiences and memories created as a family embarks on exciting trips and adventures together
Family, on the credit card
Acknowledging the financial obligations and costs that come with providing for a family and ensuring their well-being
Family, all in this together
Emphasizing the importance of family unity and solidarity, facing life's challenges and triumphs as a tight-knit unit
Family, we're taking a chance
Highlighting the bravery and willingness of the family to take risks and explore new opportunities, knowing they have each other's support
Family, like birds of feather
Comparing the bond between family members to that of birds who flock together, implying a strong sense of belonging and similarity
Family, kick off your shoes and dance
Encouraging family members to let go of inhibitions, relax, and enjoy spontaneous moments of joy through dancing and self-expression
Family, on the way to the city
Depicting the excitement and anticipation of family members as they embark on a journey together, heading towards a bustling city for new experiences
Family, laughing in the rain
Illustrating the joy and resilience found in family connections, even in challenging or unexpected situations like laughing together in the rain
Family, it ain't always pretty
Acknowledging that family life is not always perfect and can have its hardships and difficulties
Family, can drive you insane
Portraying the humorous and sometimes challenging aspects of being part of a family that can occasionally test one's patience and sanity
Family, got the keys to the kingdom
Expressing the belief that the true treasure and fulfillment in life lies within the love and support of one's family
Family, take it a la carte
Emphasizing the freedom and flexibility in creating a unique and personalized family dynamic, choosing and embracing what works best for their own situation
Family, all four seasons
Highlighting the steadfast nature of family, being present and supporting each other through the ever-changing seasons of life
Family, well bless your heart
An endearing expression of affection and appreciation for the love and care that family members bring into each other's lives
You don't choose em, you can't lose em
Emphasizing that family is not something one can select or easily let go of, as it is a fundamental and unbreakable bond
We all have a song to sing
Recognizing that each person within a family has their unique voice and contribution to make, adding harmony and richness to the overall family dynamic
Some are crazy, some are amazing
Acknowledging the diverse personalities and traits within a family, ranging from eccentric or unconventional to extraordinary and remarkable
All got a little bit of everything
Reinforcing the idea that family members collectively possess a blend of different qualities, strengths, and characteristics that make them whole
Family, sons and daughters
Celebrating the bond between parents and their children, who are an essential part of the family unit
Family, like a photograph
Comparing the family's unity and permanence to that of a captured moment in a photograph, encapsulating their love and connection
Family, baptized in the water
Symbolizing the spiritual and transformative experiences that unite and shape a family, just as a baptism represents a new beginning
Family, put me on the map
Expressing gratitude and acknowledging the profound impact that family has had on shaping one's identity and sense of place in the world
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Drew Holcomb
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
BEAUTYnIQ
June/2020 who else came to look up the singer of this after seeing the tyson commercial .. ? after corona this was soo upbeat .. beautiful !
Lucas NG
Me!!!!! Go Vols!
Zaniyah life⚡️✨
@Michelle Almatrouk !rdfd5
John Howard Lambert
This is as close to Americana as I've been in I don't know how long. It touches who we as a nation really are, how we think, how we enjoy and place value on others and spending time with them. It even tastefully touches places where we work and what we do without encumbering. As one can plainly see from the positive dialog, they surely feel similar. Thanks Drew, the nation appreciates your taking us from our troubles if only for a moment. ;-)
Richard Graves
Great song it should be recorded as a sing along with this video so the whole family and friends dance to it.
Meg Kay M
I definitely agree. Same!
Brenda Stanley
Just heard this song on a Tyson Foods commercial. Way to go, Drew!
Clint Shepherd
I did the exact same thing. I couldn’t get the song out of my mind, and got tired of waiting for the commercial to come on. Absolutely soothing and needed for all the utter BS we’re undergoing right now.
Steven Langenfeld
I'm just glad it's a 'real' song and not just for the commercial. So I came here
Dina Walker
Me too!!!