1) A British… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists using this name, chronologically:
1) A British rock band (1967 - 1973)
2) A disco group signed to New York Salsoul Records (1970's-1980's)
3) A Spanish indie pop band (1991 - 1993)
1) Family was British rock band from Leicester, England, active between 1967-1973. Their music has been described as a masterful blend of Blues-Rock, Prog-Rock, Art Rock and Psychedelia.
Family's debut single "Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens/Gypsy Woman" was released by Liberty in the autumn of 1967. While the single received praise from critics, it received very little airplay, due to its rather complex, uncommercial nature. Family's debut album, Music in a Doll's House, was released in July 1968 and it was produced by Traffic's Dave Mason and Jimmy Miller on a 4-track machine at Olympic Studios, London. The band's line-up: Roger Chapman (vocals/harmonica/tenor saxophone), Charlie Whitney (guitars/vocals), Rick Grech (bass/violin/cello/vocals), Rob Townsend (drums/percussion), and Jim King saxophone/flute/harmonica/vocals). Bandleader Tubby Hayes and his brass section played on "Old Songs New Songs". An extraordinarily ambitious album, 'Music In A Doll's House' marked an audacious beginning of what was a rather mixed career for Family. Many of the sounds conjured up in the studio had never been heard before - more incredible given that the album was created on a 4-track. The band's ability clearly transcended the available technology. Chapman's unusual vibrating delivery did not appeal to everyone, but it's a remarkable voice all the same. The musicianship and the unusual arrangements on this album found favour with fans who regarded it as a rather surreal musical feast. Music In A Doll's House is a truly innovative album and years ahead of it's time. The album charted respectably in the UK (reaching No. 35 in the UK album charts) and received considerable airplay from well-known British radio personality John Peel. It did not chart in the US. Interestingly, Mike Batt got his first big break in record production on this album by arranging "Mellowing Grey".
Family's 1969 follow-up, Family Entertainment, toned down the psychedelics of their previous offering, and featured their first UK hit "The Weaver's Answer." For the 1970 release A Song For Me, they developed a more aggressive sound, gaining them a larger European following. That year they played at several major rock festivals including the Isle Of Wight music festival and Holland's Kralingen Festival. Both of which were included in the documentary films Message To Love and Stomping Ground. The next release, Anyway, featured a side of a live performance of new material at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England, as well as a side of new studio recordings.
The bar was raised in 1971 with Fearless, but the band's biggest success was yet to come, in 1972's Bandstand, featuring hits "Burlesque" and "My Friend the Sun". This was followed by the underrated but enjoyable It's Only a Movie, where the band's sound was augmented by Tony Ashton of Ashton Gardner and Dyke on piano.
Family disbanded in 1973 and former members went on to play in the bands King Crimson, the Streetwalkers and Stud.
2) Family were a disco group who formed in the 1970's and released the single 'Music (Listen To The Music)', on the Salsoul label which was later re-released on the Suss'd 2007 compilation 'Deep Disco Culture Vol. 2'.
3) Family was a Spanish indie band active 1991-1993 formed by Javier Aramburu and Iñaki Gametxogoikoetxea. They released just one album in 1993 titled Un soplo en el corazón," a tribute to the film by Louis Malle. In 2003 Spanish magazine Rockdelux released an album with the same songs played by other Spanish bands to celebrate 10 years from probably one of the best Spanish albums of 90's.
Boots 'n' Roots
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All I own wrapped up tight in a sweat shirt
Ain't no hurry been away too long
To keep on worrying where I come from
Rest my boots where I feel I should belong
Don't hold on to me
We're one my song and me
Boots and roots, there's so much I've got to see
(REPEAT FIRST VERSE)
Sun don't shine, geese start flying for the winter
I can wait, don't migrate for the weather
I up and run if it turns me on
For no more reason than the tide rolls on
Hold my roots when I feel I should be gone
So don't hold to me
We're one the tide and me
Boots and roots, there's so much I want to see
Boots and roots, there's so much I've got to see
Ride that rail, move my tail where I want to
Said I take some ease, rest my feet if it feels good
Pick my tune, an old hoedown
Boots and roots don't you hold me down
So much to see as the world goes spinning round
I say don't hold on to me
We're one my song and me
Boots and roots, there's so much I've got to see
Boots and roots, there's so much I want to see
The lyrics of the song Boots 'n' Roots by Family feat. Roger Chapman speaks to the desire for freedom and adventure. The singer is committed to exploring the world, leaving behind the worries of his past life and the familiar roots he has known. He is excited about what lies ahead and is willing to follow his heart and follow wherever the wind takes him on his journey.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has realized that life is too short to be bogged down by worries and responsibilities. He wants to break free and explore the possibilities that life has to offer. The song emphasizes the importance of following one's instincts and being true to oneself. The singer believes that his journey will be fulfilling, as long as he is in tune with his inner voice and his music.
In conclusion, Boots 'n' Roots by Family feat. Roger Chapman is an inspiring song that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the desire for freedom. It encourages us to follow our hearts and embrace the unknown, to be true to ourselves and to listen to our inner voice as we journey forward in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Sailing on not too far 'til I get there
I am traveling, but not too far. My destination is near.
All I own wrapped up tight in a sweat shirt
I have everything I own with me, wrapped up tight in a sweatshirt.
Ain't no hurry been away too long
I am not in a rush, I've been away from home for a long time.
To keep on worrying where I come from
I don't need to keep worrying about my origins and where I came from.
Rest my boots where I feel I should belong
I'll stop traveling and stay where I feel is the right place for me.
Don't hold on to me
Please don't hold on to me, I need my freedom.
We're one my song and me
My song and I are in harmony, and we are one.
Boots and roots, there's so much I've got to see
I want to explore so many things, and I need my boots and roots to guide me.
Boots and roots, there's so much I want to see
I have a strong desire to see and explore many things that I haven't seen or done yet.
Sun don't shine, geese start flying for the winter
The weather is changing, and winter is coming, which is why the geese are starting to fly.
I can wait, don't migrate for the weather
I can wait for the weather to change, I don't need to migrate like the geese do.
I up and run if it turns me on
If something excites me or turns me on, I'll take off and start running or exploring.
For no more reason than the tide rolls on
I don't need any particular reason to explore or travel; life goes on, and so will I.
Hold my roots when I feel I should be gone
I'll hold on to my roots and where I come from, even if I feel like leaving and exploring the world.
We're one the tide and me
I feel as connected to the ebb and flow of the tide as I do to my music.
Ride that rail, move my tail where I want to
I can follow the railway track and travel wherever I want to go.
Said I take some ease, rest my feet if it feels good
I will take a break and rest whenever I feel like it or whenever I need to.
Pick my tune, an old hoedown
I'll choose my music, and I love listening to old hoedowns.
Boots and roots don't you hold me down
My roots and boots have plenty of exploring to do, and I won't let anyone hold me back.
So much to see as the world goes spinning round
There is so much to see and explore in the world as it continues to spin and evolve.
I say don't hold on to me
I am free-spirited and need my space, so please don't hold on to me.
Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.