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.
Drowned In Wine
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You finally learn to play along
Your feelings are blind
So you don't really mind if it's right or wrong
Fall in line
No, they won't let it stand on the back of their hand
Won't take a cave in the mine
You see what they've done
The end's just begun to filter in
The end is in sight
And the thought of a fight, now it's faltering
Yours and mine
They won't let it stand on the back of their hand
Won't take a cave in the mine
I could cry help
But I'd much sooner fend for myself
Don't wanna feel that I'm drowned in wine
Hate every thought of having to fall in line
Just want to grow, just want to grow and share what's yours and mine
As sure as I see they're looking at me with glasses on
And as sure as I feel I know they're for real, and the gas is on
Well, I'm drowned in wine
No, they won't let it stand, no, no
Don't wanna feel that I'm drowned in wine
Hate every thought of having to fall in line
Just want to grow, grow and share what's yours and mine
After the turn
You've finally learned to play along
Your feelings are blind
And you don't really mind if it's right or wrong
I'm drowned, drowned in wine
No, they won't let it stand
No, they won't let it stand
I said they won't let it stand, no
The song "Drowned in Wine" by Family speaks of societal expectations and compliance, and the struggle with individuality and freedom. After the turn, which could refer to a life-changing moment, the individual learns to play along, indicating the acquiescence to external pressures. The reference to blinded feelings and not distinguishing between right and wrong could also be a nod towards the individual losing their sense of self and morality due to societal expectations.
The lyrics "fall in line, no, they won't let it stand on the back of their hand" can be interpreted as the expectations of society to conform to their beliefs, with the refusal to let any signs of rebellion and individuality flourish. The lyrics showcase the power dynamic between society and the individual, with the refusal to take a cave in the mine indicating resilience towards being caved in and controlled by society.
The lyrics "I could cry for help, but I'd much sooner fend for myself" further emphasizes this struggle. The individual is torn between seeking help and relinquishing some control over their lives or fighting for themselves and maintaining their autonomy. The lyrics "just want to grow and share what's yours and mine" could refer to the desire to seek personal growth and create lasting relationships built on mutual trust and respect.
Overall, the song explores the complex relationship between conformity and individuality, and the struggle to maintain personal autonomy in the face of societal pressure.
Line by Line Meaning
After the turn
After much experience and learning,
You finally learn to play along
You eventually understand how to conform and follow the rules.
Your feelings are blind
You are not aware of your own emotions.
So you don't really mind if it's right or wrong
You don't care about whether something is correct or incorrect, as long as you can go along with it.
Fall in line
Do as you're told and follow the status quo.
No, they won't let it stand on the back of their hand
The powers that be won't allow any opposition to their plans.
Won't take a cave in the mine
They won't tolerate any resistance to their authority or dominion.
You see what they've done
You recognize the actions of the authorities.
The end's just begun to filter in
The beginning of the end of an era has started.
The end is in sight
The outcome is foreseeable.
And the thought of a fight, now it's faltering
The desire to resist or challenge has weakened.
Yours and mine
The property and possessions of ourselves and others.
I could cry help
I could ask for assistance.
But I'd much sooner fend for myself
However, I prefer to rely on myself and not others.
Don't wanna feel that I'm drowned in wine
I don't want to feel trapped or controlled by external influences.
Hate every thought of having to fall in line
I despise being forced to conform to the majority's will.
Just want to grow, just want to grow and share what's yours and mine
I want to grow as an individual and share possessions in a mutually beneficial way.
As sure as I see they're looking at me with glasses on
I am aware that they are scrutinizing my behavior.
And as sure as I feel I know they're for real, and the gas is on
I am aware that they are serious and the situation is intensifying.
Well, I'm drowned in wine
I feel overwhelmed and suffocated by external influences.
No, they won't let it stand, no, no
The powers that be will not tolerate any opposition.
I said they won't let it stand, no
Once again, I reiterate that there will be no resistance tolerated.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN WHITNEY, ROGER MAXWELL CHAPMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shemanic1
superb tune, the album is up there in my all time top 20
@stevenmaginnis1965
I heard of a guy fro mMichigan named Patrick Little who had a fan page for Family, and 'A Song For Me' was the first Family LP he got. He said that when he first heard Roger Chapman sing this song, he thought, "What is this guy doing?" The answer - ROCK AND ROLL!
@rickmartin5132
Great musical creativity, first two albums are genius.
@mobyboy
Chapman has one of the most unique voices Ive heard
@fidomusic
Good to read all the postive comments here, especially about the early days. I saw them several times, more than any other band, in 68. 69 and 70. Live there was no one to touch them. Most underrated band of all time.
@silversurfermusicco5263
I agree. Got the albums. A one off
@silversurfermusicco5263
What a track love it.
@robbie007
Great song. So much going on. It's got that late 60s early 70s vibe blending folk, rock and jazz in a great melting pot. Assertive playing. Vocals are right on. Love the flute. Great tempo changes esp 3.19 and 3.30. Hey it's hip and outta sight.
@eggflipsupreme
...highly underrated musicians - I saw them more times than any other band......
@maxmir3793
Sunday morning is happy!