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.
No Mule's Fool
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A hazy yellow eye looks down
A buzzing bee's the only lazy sound
I take grass, he hits the hay
The two of us drift through the day
A butterfly, a sigh, and it's flick away
Know we're lazy, lots of people say so
We're only doing whatever makes us happy
We're sitting here, me and mule
We make our own rules, and it's cool
I know I'm lazy, lots of people say so
But one day they're gonna see
We're only doing whatever makes us happy
We're sitting here, me and mule
We're nobody's fool, and it's cool
Close my eyes, yeah I feel alright
Yeah, must be close to 95
Got my shade from a good old hat made of hide
One more day in God's good sun
And we won't move for anyone
Spend your lazy days and ways just turning on
I'm looking down, there's my old mule
A stubborn nag, but no, no one's fool
He's my only friend and he's cool
My old mule, nobody's fool
The song "No Mule's Fool" by the band Family paints a beautiful picture of a lazy day where the singer and his mule take it easy and enjoy the small pleasures of life. The song starts with the description of a dusty old town and a hazy yellow eye looks down, implying that the weather is hot and dry. The only sound that can be heard is that of a buzzing bee indicating that it is a calm and peaceful setting. The singer takes grass while the mule hits the hay which emphasizes their laid back attitude. The use of imagery like a butterfly, a sigh, and it's flick away helps the listener to imagine the simple yet enchanting beauty of nature.
The chorus of the song contains a philosophical message about living your life your way without any concern about what others think. The singer acknowledges that he is often called lazy, but he justifies that they are only doing what makes them happy. They are sitting together, enjoying each other's company, and following their own rules, and that is cool. In the second verse, the singer once again emphasizes on taking it easy and enjoying the sunshine. He is at complete peace as he sits there with his mule, and they won't move for anyone. The phrase "Spend your lazy days and ways just turning on" suggests that sometimes all you need is to slow down and enjoy the moment.
The song portrays the relationship between the singer and his mule as one of true friendship. The mule is the only friend he has, and he finds it cool. The phrase "My old mule, nobody's fool" not only describes their companionship but also implies that they are not willing to be taken advantage of by anyone. This song is perfect for people who prefer to take life slow and enjoy the little things that bring happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
A dusty day in this old town
The day is hot and dusty, and they are in an old town.
A hazy yellow eye looks down
The sun is setting and casting a hazy yellow light over everything.
A buzzing bee's the only lazy sound
The only sound is a buzzing bee, which is a lazy sound.
I take grass, he hits the hay
I relax and enjoy the day, while my mule rests.
The two of us drift through the day
The artist and his mule spend the day in a relaxed, aimless way.
A butterfly, a sigh, and it's flick away
They watch a butterfly, then it flies away with a sigh.
Know we're lazy, lots of people say so
People criticize us for being lazy.
But one day they're gonna see
They will eventually realize why we choose to live this way.
We're only doing whatever makes us happy
We live for our own happiness.
We're sitting here, me and mule
We are just relaxing together, the artist and his mule.
We make our own rules, and it's cool
We do what we want and are content with it.
I know I'm lazy, lots of people say so
I am aware of the criticisms others have of my lifestyle.
But one day they're gonna see
They will eventually understand me.
We're only doing whatever makes us happy
We prioritize our own happiness.
We're sitting here, me and mule
We are relaxing together, the singer and his mule.
We're nobody's fool, and it's cool
We are wise in our own way and content with our choices.
Close my eyes, yeah I feel alright
I am content and at peace with my surroundings.
Yeah, must be close to 95
It's very hot outside, possibly 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Got my shade from a good old hat made of hide
The singer is protected from the sun by his trusty hat made of animal hide.
One more day in God's good sun
Another day in the sun, blessing from God.
And we won't move for anyone
We will not be moved by anyone else's expectations or demands.
Spend your lazy days and ways just turning on
We encourage others to enjoy their own lazy days to the fullest.
I'm looking down, there's my old mule
The singer looks down and sees his old mule.
A stubborn nag, but no, no one's fool
The mule is stubborn but wise in his own way.
He's my only friend and he's cool
The mule is the singer's only friend, and they are both content with their companionship.
Contributed by Callie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
david obrien
As ever a perfect Family track. (every one is a gem ). One of Englands most underrated groups. Hope you Family fans still listening ? Nobody will ever get close to what this group achieved.
Josef Eschweiler
A must-have on every records shelf. Often hard, sometimes folky and always progressive, they created such a variety of music. Thanks for that.
John Lamb
When this first came out it was on a pub juke box where I used to go,I played it to death,people were coming and asking who it was I had chosen.Ahead of it's time then and virtually forgotten now except for the people who appreciate such fine music.
Gary Tarr
I remember buying the single in 1970 ? I think , was blown away by Family and Chappo's vocals.
Ib Hansen
The reason for buying their Greatest CD....brilliant song 👍
Paul Roberts
The band's music just seemed to resonate with me. All my friends were into soul or the "big rock groups" I was 18 and working in London when they had their "farewell" concert. I was to late (and too poor) to get a ticket. Anyway, I am what has been described as one of a small but rabid band of fans. Thanks fellas, you got it right.
Christopher
This song is such a gem. Has the band written other tunes in the same vein ? I listened to some of their other songs on Youtube but those had more of a prog than a folk feel.
Jon Collie
Try My Friend The Sun
Josef Nagy
A gem from ancient times
eisenhertz
what a great peace of music!