There are several artists using this name, chronologically:
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.

Dame estrellas o limones
Family Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Quisiera estar junto a ti, quisiera ser un planeta
Girando a tu alrededor, tú borrarías mis huellas
Porque tú eres la estrella de mi corazón
Surcando el cielo de nuestro amor
Me gusta mirar tu cara graciosa cuando bebes limón

Para poder olvidar alguna pena muy grande
Te besaré en espiral cuando no mire nadie

Oigo tantas mentiras y tanta canción
Que me hacen reír con mi sonrisa infantil
Y me hacen pensar qué vida tan tonta y qué grande es tu amor

Quisiera estar junto a ti, quisiera ser un planeta
Girando a tu alrededor, tú borrarías mis huellas
Porque tú eres la estrella de mi corazón

Surcando el cielo de nuestro amor
Me gusta mirar tu cara graciosa cuando bebes limón

Overall Meaning

The song "Dame Estrellas o Limones" by Family is a romantic yearning for the beloved. The lyrics speak of wanting to be near the loved one, the desire to revolve around them like a planet, and the desire to erase any trace of individuality in order to merge with them. The imagery used in the song is evocative, with references to stars, sky, and spirals.

The singer confesses that the loved one is the star of their heart, and their love is like a journey through the skies. The reference to "limones" (lemons) is interesting – it provides a contrast to the romantic imagery of stars and planets. The singer seems to take delight in the loved one's facial expressions when they drink lemon, which may be a symbol of their quirks and idiosyncrasies.

The second verse of the song suggests a desire to escape from the mundanity of everyday life. The singer wants to forget their sorrows and kiss the loved one "en espiral" (in a spiral) when no one is looking. The contrast between the happy, childish smile and the realization of the futility and emptiness of life is an interesting duality.

Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of love and longing. The lyrics capture the intensity of desire and the joy of shared experiences. The use of simple imagery and relatable emotions make it a hit with audiences of all ages.

Line by Line Meaning

Quisiera estar junto a ti, quisiera ser un planeta
I wish to be close to you, to orbit around you like a planet

Girando a tu alrededor, tú borrarías mis huellas
As I orbit around you, you erase my troubles and worries

Porque tú eres la estrella de mi corazón
You are the star that brightens up my heart

Surcando el cielo de nuestro amor
Together, we soar through the sky of our love

Me gusta mirar tu cara graciosa cuando bebes limón
I love seeing your adorable face as you drink lemon

Para poder olvidar alguna pena muy grande
Sometimes, to forget great sorrows, I spiral into your arms

Te besaré en espiral cuando no mire nadie
I'll embrace you in secret, with a spiral of passion

Oigo tantas mentiras y tanta canción
I hear so many lies and songs

Que me hacen reír con mi sonrisa infantil
That make me laugh with the innocence of a child

Y me hacen pensar qué vida tan tonta y qué grande es tu amor
And make me ponder about life and how foolish it can be, but also how immense your love is

Writer(s): Inaki Gamechogoikoechea Inchausti, Javier Aramburu Segura

Contributed by Jason O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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