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.
Buffet Tea for Two
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I climb aboard and shut that door, we're through
I'm on the train and then I look back once again
Before I know what's happening, we're moving
To a new start, a new city
Leaving you my pretty
It's not so hard as not leaving there at all
Been knowing you for so long
I got things to do and it seems like that's the cure
Think of her a while, and I offer no denial
I'm excited like it's out of style, oh it's thrilling
Bedsit by the tube, evening dinner too
Steady job, good prospects due, if I'm willing
(REPEAT CHORUS)
We just passed some boats
Can't be far to go
Man up train is putting on his coat, we're slowing
Yes Pancras here I come
I raced them all and won
On the platform and I run, oh I'm running
(ERPEAT CHORUS)
The lyrics of Family's song "Buffet Tea for Two" narrate a journey both physical and emotional. The song tells the story of someone leaving behind a loved one and starting anew in a different city. The first stanza sets the stage for the departure, it is a "farewell kiss" and "we're through." The character boards the train but looks back once more, indicating a reluctance to leave. However, the prospect of a "new start" in a "new city" is too tempting, and the character's mind is made up.
The second verse gives us a glimpse into the character's state of mind. They admit to thinking of their past partner, but also feel excited about the future moving out of their comfort zone. They talk about the mundane aspects of their new life, like their bedsit by the tube, evening dinner and steady job, but also shows that they have good prospects ahead of them, as long as they are willing to work for it.
The chorus repeats, which emphasizes the journey and the emotions behind it. The character recognizes that leaving is not easy, but necessary, "It's not so hard as not leaving there at all." The repetition of the chorus reflects the character's affirmation of the choice they have made to start anew.
The final verse talks about nearing the end of the journey, passing some boats as the train slows down. The character is eager and excited to arrive at their destination, "Pancras here I come." The character describes themselves as "running" illustrating the enthusiasm and intense desire to begin their new life.
Overall, Family's "Buffet Tea for Two" is a song that captures the anticipation of starting anew while leaving behind a loved one. It showcases the complexity and conflicted emotions surrounding change and new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
Buffet tea for two, a farewell kiss for you
We are having a last meal together before I leave. I give you a goodbye kiss.
I climb aboard and shut that door, we're through
I get on the train and leave, our relationship is over.
I'm on the train and then I look back once again
I glance back at you one more time before the train starts moving.
Before I know what's happening, we're moving
The train is starting to depart before I can fully process my emotions.
To a new start, a new city
I am leaving to begin a new life in a new place.
Leaving you my pretty
I am saying goodbye to you, my beautiful partner.
It's not so hard as not leaving there at all
Leaving is difficult, but it's better than staying and being unhappy.
Been knowing you for so long
We have been together for a significant amount of time.
The habit just seemed wrong
Breaking up with you is a difficult habit to break.
I got things to do and it seems like that's the cure
I have other goals and ambitions that will help me move on from our relationship.
Think of her a while, and I offer no denial
I am thinking about someone else, and I am not trying to hide it from myself.
I'm excited like it's out of style, oh it's thrilling
The idea of a new love interest is exciting and gives me a rush of adrenaline.
Bedsit by the tube, evening dinner too
I have a small apartment near the subway and am able to have dinner at home.
Steady job, good prospects due, if I'm willing
I have a stable job and good prospects for the future, as long as I am willing to work hard.
(REPEAT CHORUS)
The chorus repeats the same sentiment about leaving and starting anew.
We just passed some boats
We are passing by some boats on the journey.
Can't be far to go
We must be getting close to our destination.
Man up train is putting on his coat, we're slowing
The train conductor is getting ready to disembark, and we are slowing down.
Yes Pancras here I come
We have arrived at the destination of St. Pancras station.
I raced them all and won
I arrived at my destination ahead of the other passengers.
On the platform and I run, oh I'm running
I am excited and in a hurry to disembark and start my new life.
(ERPEAT CHORUS)
The chorus repeats the same sentiment about leaving and starting anew.
Contributed by Samuel S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Kedward
I love this track. The excitement and growing sense of anticipation, the instrumental passage reflecting the journey, the movement of the train and the travellers mind sometimes reflecting back but the thrill of being free, over coming any doubts. I also love the image of him jumping out and running down one of the St Pancras platforms at the end.
murcia1975
One of the most underrated bands from the progressive british underground of the 70´s... Lovely
Yve Smith
So many good songs from this band and so many memories. This song struck a chord as I used St Pancras a lot in the seventies. Always hummed it to myself as I arrived. Sad but true.
pete fawden
At last ! Thank you very much for posting this song. One of the best songs on the album ! Can't believe it is nearly thirty years old !!
Vanni 56
Only one world.... A MASTERPIECE!!!!! ONE OF THE FEW GOOD SONGS IN THIS UNDERRATED ALBUM FOR AN UNDERRATED BAND.
pedal4ever
wow, never thought I'd hear this one again. what a great song. still sounds fresh today. this one and Leroy are the best. rest of the album, still doesn't work for me. but thanks for posting!
arthurmee
My favourite track on this underrated album.
stefano tracanelli
Very great band, and the best song of the album
gummboote
Love that instrumental passage...
timberframingbear
Family is consistently underrated. I'd put them up with Gentle Giant as terribly overlooked