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.
Burning Bridges
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Visions they're dancing like puppets on strings
Wait for the face in the choir to sing
Cymbals and symbols you clang in my ear
While rainclouds burst out into tears
Burning your bridges on God's Holy Fire
Over and over my blues start to roll
Bypass my body head straight for my soul
While speeches ain't silent and silence ain't gold
When left in the dirt there to mould
Burning your bridges on God's Holy Fire
And all of, all of the children you sire
Rainwater preachers hang vines on the road
Lamplight reflections all turned into stone
Of tall handsome strangers who pray down their nose
And they're nailed to the cross, I suppose
Burning your bridges on God's Holy Fire
And all the children you sire
The song Burning Bridges by Family explores the idea of burning down one’s bridges with others, whether it be through destructive relationships or a lack of accountability. Throughout the song, the lyrics paint a picture of the consequences of such actions, both on the individual and the community around them. The opening lines describe the mental imagery of several symbols and visions that seem to be controlling the actions of those involved. The next line highlights the power that music can have in swaying people's emotions and minds. The song suggests that perhaps these symbols – and the influence they hold – are causing people to burn bridges with each other. This is further supported by the ominous refrain that ties together each stanza: “Burning your bridges on God’s Holy Fire / And all of the children you sire.”
The following stanza suggests that this kind of self-destructive behavior has a profound impact on a person's emotional wellbeing. The blues referred to here are not simply the musical genre but rather represent a state of being or feeling. The lines about bypassing the body and heading straight for the soul suggest the depth of this sadness, rooted in something beyond just physical sensations. Silent speeches and lack of communication exacerbate the issue, leading to a situation where dirt can grow and mold. In other words, the burden of the situation becomes so dire that it's almost overwhelming.
The final stanza brings imagery of rainwater preachers and handsomely dressed strangers who pray down their nose. These allude to religious figures or charismatic leaders who manipulate and control the masses, perhaps at the expense of their best interests. The striking image of these individuals being nailed to a cross insinuates that this control is both intentional and deeply harmful to those affected. Once again, the refrain underscores the impact of these actions on future generations: “Burning your bridges on God’s Holy Fire / And all the children you sire.”
Overall, the song speaks to the need for accountability and self-reflection. It suggests that ignoring the consequences of one's actions will lead to a series of burned connections and lost opportunities. This is further conveyed through the use of poetic imagery and lines that spiral around each other, generating a sense of unease and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Visions they're dancing like puppets on strings
The singer is seeing strange visions that seem to control him/her.
Wait for the face in the choir to sing
The singer is anticipating someone in the choir to sing.
Cymbals and symbols you clang in my ear
The singer is hearing loud noises in their ear.
While rainclouds burst out into tears
It is raining heavily with loud thunder.
Burning your bridges on God's Holy Fire
Someone has burned their bridges and now they must face divine retribution.
And all of the children you sire
They will not be able to escape the consequences of their actions, and neither will their descendants.
Over and over my blues start to roll
The singer cannot shake their feelings of sadness.
Bypass my body head straight for my soul
The sadness is affecting the singer on a deeper level than just physical.
While speeches ain't silent and silence ain't gold
Words can be powerful, but so can silence.
When left in the dirt there to mould
Being left alone with your own thoughts can lead to a dark place.
Rainwater preachers hang vines on the road
People who claim to be holy often have a sinister motive.
Lamplight reflections all turned into stone
The light in someone's life has been extinguished.
Of tall handsome strangers who pray down their nose
People who seem virtuous on the outside may have ulterior motives.
And they're nailed to the cross, I suppose
These people will ultimately face a reckoning for their actions.
And all the children you sire
Once again, the consequences of someone's actions will affect not only them, but their descendants.
Contributed by Eli N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Walt Franklin
One of the most profound songs by this great band. Amazing.
personalentwickler
One of the best songs of this fantastic band!
redjujufish
I love this song, I'm glad I have this on vinyl. Thanks for posting.
54HarryB
After all those years - amazing - I'm still singing the lyrics of this song!! harry
Chris-Tian RA
Great to find this album again, thank you. I bought it when I was 14 back in Germany, many memories streaming back. Their best album with a distance...
Andrew Laitres
Almost sounds like Genesis, amazing song.
pretorious700
"Burning your bridges on God's holy fire
And all the children you sire"
archie the frenchie
Music in a Dolls House my favourite album. This song & Bolero Babe my favourite songs
timberframingbear
I'm silent. That's the only response