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.

Dim
Family Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

DIM DIM DIM DOM, DIM DIM DOM
DIM DOM DIM DOM, DIM DIM DOM
CANTOS DE PAZ DE NATAL
TEMPOS DE LUZ, TANTA LUZ QUE RELUZ

DIM DIM DIM DOM, DIM DIM DOM
DIGAM AMÉM, QUE ALÉM
LÁ EM BELÉM

NASCEU JESUS
NA MANJEDOURA ENTRE AS PALHINHAS
JESUS, DORME JESUS
CANTAM OS ANJOS HINOS DOS CÉUS
VEM LUZ, GUIAR OS REIS
AO NOVO REI QUE NASCEU: JESUS
JESUS, DORME JESUS
CANTAM OS ANJOS HINOS DOS CÉUS
VEM LUZ GUIAR OS REIS
AO NOVO REI QUE NASCEU JESUS

DIM DIM DIM DOM, DIM DIM DOM

DIM DOM DIM DOM DIM DIM DOM
AO NOVO REI QUE NASCEU JESUS

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Dim" by Family talk about the singer's experience of waiting and looking for a good time in town. The opening line suggests a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, as the singer is blindly waiting for someone to pick them up. The mention of a car (automobe) adds a layer of materialism, as if having or not having one could affect one's ability to have a good time. The singer seems confident though, trusting that they will eventually get to where they want to go.

The chorus of the song is particularly striking, as the singer acknowledges their physical limitations (eyes are dim) but also their intuition or sense of expectation (knowing there's a good time waiting for me). This duality continues throughout the song, with references to "making my scene" and "groovin' around" suggesting a carefree attitude, while also acknowledging possible obstacles or risks ("gonna do the things that I dare" and "you'd better not take that thought from me").

In the end, the lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire for connection, as the singer says "I'd sooner feel you babe, feeling me" and "See you in the corner, wait for my flame to burn." The image of a flame suggests both passion and vulnerability, as well as the potential for warmth and light.

Overall, "Dim" is a song about searching for something elusive and exciting, while also being aware of the challenges and limitations of the journey.

Line by Line Meaning

I can't see you, but you can see me waiting along the road
I am lost in my journey, waiting for someone to help me find my way.

Thumbing a ride to get into town, hey where'd you get your automobe
I'm hitchhiking my way into a new town, admiring the automobiles that pass me by.

See you around the corner, waitin' for my flame to burn
I know you're just around the corner, waiting for me to ignite your passion.

My eyes are dim, I cannot see
I am blinded by my life's struggles, unable to clearly see my path forward.

But I know there's a good time waiting for me
Despite my struggles, I believe that happiness and good times are still within my reach.

Making my scene just groovin' around, making what chicks I can
I'm trying to live life to the fullest, socializing with others and trying to attract romantic partners.

I drink what I like and I dance what I do, I'm getting right through to the band
I'm enjoying myself and living in the moment, fully engaging with the music and my surroundings.

I'd sooner feel you babe, feeling me
I'd rather emotionally connect with you than focus on purely physical interactions.

Think I'll leap around a bit, and sow my seed somewhere
I'm considering taking some risks and trying new experiences, possibly with romantic or sexual undertones.

Go on around to the 46, gonna do the things that I dare
I'm planning on exploring my boundaries and indulging in some daring behavior.

You'd better not take that thought from me
I am determined to pursue my desires and won't let anyone dissuade or manipulate me.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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