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.
My Friend The Sun
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not lyrics...
Family - My Friend The Sun
Your shoes they need mending, your clothes they look old
Won't you pick up your pieces, it's never too late
Though it's never early to make a mistake
As soon as you wake
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Change has to be here obviously
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
He's there in the distance if you care to see
Well, I know that you're waiting, come out from your shell
There'll come a time you'll remember it well
When you take all the good times from chances you've had
Chances you've made and what you've learnt from the bad
It's never so sad
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Change has to be here obviously
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
He's there in the distance if you care to see - see
If the season were reason, then there'd be no doubt
A sequel of changes worth putting you out
But on the question of whether you heard a lie
Answer yourself looking straight in his eyes
Don't you realize
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Change has to be here obviously
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
He's there in the distance if you care to see - see
The main theme of Family's "My Friend the Sun" is to inspire hope and positivity in someone who may be going through a tough time. The lyrics offer encouragement to a person who is feeling lost and lonely, telling them that it is never too late to pick up the pieces and make a change in their life. The song acknowledges the presence of rain and struggle, but reminds listeners that change is inevitable and that they should look towards the "friend the sun" for guidance.
The opening lines set the tone of the entire song, assuring the listener that they are not alone and that their hardships are recognized. The lyrics "Your shoes they need mending, your clothes they look old/Won't you pick up your pieces, it's never too late" suggests that the listener is in a state of disrepair, but that there is hope for improvement no matter how late in life it may feel. As the song progresses, it invokes the image of the sun, a symbol of light and warmth that can guide a person through their darkest times. The song concludes with the message that, despite the struggles they may face in life, the listener should always look towards the sun and the hope it can offer.
Overall, "My Friend the Sun" is a message of hope and inspiration. The lyrics are designed to uplift the listener and offer guidance during difficult life moments. The song is a comforting reminder that, no matter the struggles we may face, there is always hope for a brighter day.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I know that you're lonely, come in from the cold
I am aware of the fact that you are feeling lonely and isolated, so why don't you come inside where it's warm and comfortable?
Your shoes they need mending, your clothes they look old
I can see that your shoes are in need of repair and your clothes appear to be worn out and outdated.
Won't you pick up your pieces, it's never too late
Why don't you take action and start putting your life back together? It's never too late to make a positive change.
Though it's never early to make a mistake
Even though it's never too early to make a mistake, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to avoid them.
As soon as you wake
As soon as you wake up and start your day, you have the opportunity to make a fresh start and move past your struggles.
Although there's been rain and it's coming again
Even though there have been difficult times in the past and there will be difficult times in the future,
Change has to be here obviously
it's clear that change is necessary in order to move forward and grow.
Though my friend the sun looks well on the run
Even though the sun may appear to be disappearing,
He's there in the distance if you care to see
it's still there, waiting to be noticed and appreciated if you take the time to look.
Well, I know that you're waiting, come out from your shell
I understand that you are waiting for something to happen, but it's time to stop hiding and start taking action.
There'll come a time you'll remember it well
There will be a time in the future when you will look back on this moment and remember it vividly.
When you take all the good times from chances you've had
When you reflect on the good times you've had and the opportunities you've been given,
Chances you've made and what you've learnt from the bad
and consider the choices you've made and the lessons you've learned from the difficult times,
It's never so sad
you'll realize that things aren't as bad as they seem.
If the season were reason, then there'd be no doubt
If we could always rely on the cyclical nature of the seasons, there would be no uncertainty or unpredictability.
A sequel of changes worth putting you out
However, the inevitable changes that come with the passage of time are often difficult and challenging to deal with.
But on the question of whether you heard a lie
But when it comes to the question of whether or not you've been deceived,
Answer yourself looking straight in his eyes
you need to be honest with yourself and confront the truth of the situation directly.
Don't you realize
And once you face the truth, you'll finally be able to see the reality of the situation.
Contributed by Ella J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@timhancock6626
This song is just one of those small masterpieces that hits all the buttons without you realising it. Its a lovely kind song with a warm melody, presented with great delicacy and feeling. I've always loved it.
@chrisvoase1922
I first heard baz Warne from the stranglers give an acoustic version of this song and blew me away...give it a listen on youtube
@peters7479
Ain't it the truth
@VPEM7
You are so right... love it
@ata1811
Absolutely spot on!
Glasgow Greens Playhouse 15/12/1972 I saw Family live. At the ripe old age of 14. It was my first gig! Today, 15/12/2022 I am heading back there for a photo with my ticket stub!! ✊
@jamiebo100
@@ata1811
@anniemac3075
This never fails to give me the shivers, beautiful song that'll live forever. Loved it ever since it first came out way back in my youth.
@berniedon
I always get quite emotional listening to this, because in my head this its perfection! Everything fits tightly into a beautiful little tune that has lifted me from the depths of despair to a much better place in the space of four and a half minutes. Awesome song!
@williamheideman1081
Beautiful song…I went to see Elton October 222, 1972 in Anaheim, CA with Family opening act. My first date and unbeknownst to me at the time it was her birthday. Family took the stage and immediately someone at the front of the stage yelled “Fearless” and I knew this was going to be good. Non stop raw power from Roger and Charlie (along with Poli Palmer, Rob Townsend and Jim Cregan). Bandstand was just released and I think that they played most of the songs on that LP. When we left, we went to Shakey’s Pizza (which was about to close for the evening). Got a medium pepperoni pizza and I went to the liquor store for a couple of sodas and we had late dinner in my car. One of the best nights of my life…
I went out and purchased Bandstand and Fearless the next day.
I’ve been a fan ever since.
@steveparker5348
For Alex. This was played at his funeral today. There was hail and rain when we went in. When we emerged the sun had come out and there was a clear blue sky.
I know it was only coincidence, but it was nice nonetheless.