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.
It's Only a Movie
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch for the hand with the blade
We're shooting an old cowboy movie
Pan out No. 2 camera fade
Tom, he loves Kitty the cowgirl
But she only lusts for revenge
To kill off the rat, who crippled her Dad
Tom knows that - don't make amends
Be sure one evil has already been done
Kitty don't see quite too clearly
Believes we should take one for one
Director says "Now hold that a minute
A little more light just over there on her face
Shadow her eyes, doubt that sanity lies
Let the public enjoy all of her hate"
It's only a movie, it's only a show
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Just a celluloid picture wherever you go
Oh, it's only a movie, it's only a show
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Just a celluloid picture wherever you go
Oh, it's only a movie, it's only a show
Now Tom didn't like all this bullshit
Just making nice films is his trend
To have to whisk her away on his big charger
Ride into the sun at the end
Once again man says "Too easy...
The punters they've all been here before
I know what they need, the crooks got to bleed
To make 'em go home - wanting more"
It's only a movie, it's only a show
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Just a celluloid picture wherever you go
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Just a celluloid picture wherever you go
The lyrics of the song "It's Only a Movie" by Family are an insightful commentary on the artifice and illusion that is created by the movie industry. The song sets the scene of a movie set at midnight, with knives and cowboy hats. The characters in the movie are enacting a story of love and revenge, but the lyrics question the morality of the decisions taken by the characters. Tom loves Kitty, but she only lusts for revenge against the man who crippled her father. In the end, the director asks to shadow Kitty's eyes and let the public enjoy her hate. The lyrics question the role of movies in society, asking the audience to question whether they are mere pastimes or contribute to deeper human values.
The repeated refrain "It's only a movie, it's only a show, Just a celluloid picture wherever you go" underscores the theme of the song that movies are an illusion, not reality. The song reflects upon how movies can be a moral force or push the boundaries of ethical behavior. The lyrics also capture the complexity of human emotions and how they are portrayed in movies. Love, revenge, hate, and morality all compete in the celluloid fantasy world of the movie set. The song concludes with Tom questioning whether all this is necessary, and the director suggesting that the punters need the cathartic experience of watching evil characters suffer.
Overall, the lyrics of "It's Only a Movie" are a reflection on the role of movies in our lives, and how our fantasies and values are portrayed in the movies we watch. The song is a reminder that movies can be entertaining and informative, but we should never forget that they are an illusion and not an ultimate reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Cards on the table at midnight
We're being upfront and honest with each other right now
Watch for the hand with the blade
Be careful of those who are trying to deceive or harm us
We're shooting an old cowboy movie
We're filming a Western movie set in the past
Pan out No. 2 camera fade
We're changing the camera angle and ending the scene
Tom, he loves Kitty the cowgirl
Tom has feelings for Kitty
But she only lusts for revenge
Kitty is focused on getting revenge for what happened to her father
To kill off the rat, who crippled her Dad
Kitty wants to get rid of the person responsible for her father's injury
Tom knows that - don't make amends
Tom understands what Kitty wants to do and doesn't try to stop her
Two evils can never make one right
Doing something bad to get back at someone who hurt you doesn't make it okay
Be sure one evil has already been done
Make sure you're not responding to something that hasn't actually happened
Kitty don't see quite too clearly
Kitty may be clouded by her desire for revenge and not thinking clearly
Believes we should take one for one
Kitty thinks it's fair to hurt the person who hurt her father
Director says "Now hold that a minute
The film director stops the scene for a moment
A little more light just over there on her face
The director wants to make sure the lighting is just right for the shot
Shadow her eyes, doubt that sanity lies
The director wants to create a darker mood for the scene
Let the public enjoy all of her hate"
The director wants the audience to feel the intensity of Kitty's emotion
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Reminding us that what we're watching isn't real, just a movie
Now Tom didn't like all this bullshit
Tom is fed up with all the fake drama in the movie
Just making nice films is his trend
Tom prefers to make movies that are more lighthearted and positive
To have to whisk her away on his big charger
Tom has to rescue Kitty and ride off into the sunset with her
Ride into the sun at the end
The movie ends with Tom and Kitty riding away happily
Once again man says "Too easy...
The film producer feels like the ending is too predictable
The punters they've all been here before
The audience has seen this type of ending many times before
I know what they need, the crooks got to bleed
The producer thinks the audience wants to see justice served
To make 'em go home - wanting more"
The producer hopes the audience is satisfied with the ending and wants to see more movies like this
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Reminding us that what we're watching isn't real, just a movie
Just a celluloid picture wherever you go
The movie is just a collection of images printed on celluloid film
Oh, it's only a movie, it's only a show
The movie is only for entertainment purposes
It's only a movie, it's only a show
Reminding us that what we're watching isn't real, just a movie
Just a celluloid picture wherever you go
The movie is just a collection of images printed on celluloid film
It's only a movie, it's only a show
The movie is only for entertainment purposes
Contributed by Cameron G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@robertyoung7280
I found this album in a UK charity shop many years ago, addicted ever since.
@barbaracolquhoun7421
I also saw them on the farewell tour , great band at the time, very good live, sadly missed.
@giovannizito5437
Chapman remember silent western with Farnum on cover
@krakatoa1200
I first bought 'Fearless' Christmas 1971 wore it out, but ended up buying a replacement, and ended up buying them all plus Streetwalkers
@curtislovecraft2389
That change at the 2:03 mark is genius
@swaxesarlschweiz
I know that one since 1975. And it's still a fav :-)
@grahamturner97
Simply the best British Rock band. Between them and the Doors for best anywhere.
@philipriley99
Love this album, Boots and Roots just super. What a voice Chappo has.
@paulneville397
distinct
@philipriley99
better than distinct.