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.
Hey
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, don't get confused
Not everyone is out to play a trick on you
Although there are some who cheat and deceive
Hold close to you a love in which you truly believe
Hey sister
Oh, trust in your man
And if the love in your heart, it seems to be true
Don't run away with someone new (someone new)
Do unto others, do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Do unto others, do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Hey brother
Oh, you know that it's true
When someone's down, you pick them up and help him get through
And when the time comes, and you are in need
They'll be there, like they ought to be
Hey sister)
Oh, you've got to be strong (come on)
You'll find some men who feel it's right to treat you wrong (feel it's right to treat you wrong)
They'll lie to your face and try what they can
Don't be fooled, just make your stand (make your stand)
Do unto others, do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Do unto others, do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Hey people
Oh, the battle's not won
You never learn your lesson, 'til the moment has gone
If you sit down, and be still, and don't even try
Your life will surely pass you by
Do unto others, do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Do unto others, do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Do unto others
As you'd have them do right back to you
Hey people
What goes around comes around
Hey people
The song "Hey" by Family is a message of kindness and positivity, encouraging listeners to treat others with love and respect. The lyrics address different individuals, with the repeated phrases "Hey brother" and "Hey sister" highlighting the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood among all people. The song urges empathy, urging people to be there for those in need and not to judge or mistreat others. The chorus emphasizes the Golden Rule, stating "Do unto others as you'd have them do right back to you."
The message of the song is a call to action, reminding listeners to actively participate in their own lives and not just let life pass them by. The lyrics encourage strength and determination, telling "Hey sister, you've got to be strong" and "If you sit down, and be still, and don't even try, your life will surely pass you by." Family's "Hey" lyrics urge listeners to be positive, loving individuals who spread kindness and happiness wherever they go.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey brother
Hi male sibling
Oh, don't get confused
Don't be perplexed
Not everyone is out to play a trick on you
Not everyone has bad intentions towards you
Although there are some who cheat and deceive
Although some people are unfaithful and dishonest
Hold close to you a love in which you truly believe
Keep a strong and sincere bond with the ones you love
Hey sister
Hi female sibling
Oh, trust in your man
Believe in your significant other
Love him every day, and love the best that you can
Show your love and affection to him every day
And if the love in your heart, it seems to be true
And if your feelings for him are genuine
Don't run away with someone new (someone new)
Don't abandon him for someone else
Do unto others, do unto others
Treat others the way you would like to be treated
As you'd have them do right back to you
Expect to be treated the way you treat others
Hey brother
Hi male sibling
Oh, you know that it's true
You know it's a fact
When someone's down, you pick them up and help him get through
When someone is in need, offer your support and assistance
And when the time comes, and you are in need
And when you need help someday
They'll be there, like they ought to be
They will support you as expected
Hey sister)
Hi female sibling
Oh, you've got to be strong (come on)
You need to be brave
You'll find some men who feel it's right to treat you wrong (feel it's right to treat you wrong)
Some men think it's acceptable to mistreat you
They'll lie to your face and try what they can
They will deceive you and manipulate you
Don't be fooled, just make your stand (make your stand)
Don't be tricked, take assertive action
Hey people
Hi everyone
Oh, the battle's not won
The struggle isn't over yet
You never learn your lesson, 'til the moment has gone
You won't realize your mistake until it's too late
If you sit down, and be still, and don't even try
If you don't make an effort
Your life will surely pass you by
Your existence will become meaningless
Hey people
Hi everyone
What goes around comes around
You will receive what you give
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Daniel Charles Kline, Krut N Patel, Luke O'Malley, Preet Patel, Richard Terran, Victor Axlerod
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lachlan Baird-MacKenzie
How can one band write and play so many brilliant songs in those early days and not be household names, icons like Pink Floyd, Genesis etc?
ColeHan100
when i was 15 I used to come home and put this vinyl wonder on the turntable...what an antidote to the stresses of being a teenager.