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.
See Through Windows
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sunlight, shadows, cat's paws, Lapwings
Eyes see life's meaning
Mist clear windows, look through them
Snow melts, grass shows, doors open
Eyes see life's meaning
Real life's peculiar, way things are happening
Following, wallowing, deep in the void
Slowly but surely you start coming closer to it
Tis on the pane, windows mottled
Here through the rain, world looks bottled
Eyes see life's meaning
The song "See Through Windows" by Family is a contemplative piece about the way we perceive the world around us. The opening lines "See through windows, look at things" suggest that we can only truly understand the world through a clear lens, unencumbered by our own biases and preconceptions. The imagery of sunlight, shadows, and other natural phenomena further reinforces the idea that we must let the world reveal itself to us as it is, without imposing our own interpretations.
As the song progresses, it takes on a more introspective tone, with the lyrics "Real life's peculiar, way things are happening" suggesting that the world can often seem illogical and unpredictable. The line "Mountains like embers, glowing and smoldering" further emphasizes this idea of the world as a mysterious and sometimes overwhelming place.
Yet despite the inherent strangeness of life, the song ultimately asserts that there is meaning to be found in it, as long as we are willing to open ourselves up to it. The repeated refrain "Eyes see life's meaning" drives this point home, suggesting that if we can truly see the world for what it is, we can find deeper understanding and purpose.
Overall, "See Through Windows" is a thoughtful meditation on the nature of perception and the search for meaning in an often bewildering world. It encourages listeners to approach the world with open eyes and an open mind, trusting that there is meaning to be found if we are willing to look for it.
Line by Line Meaning
See through windows, look at things
Take a closer look at the world outside through transparent windows
Sunlight, shadows, cat's paws, Lapwings
Observe the effects of sunlight, shadows, and other natural elements like the feet of cats and flight of lapwings
Eyes see life's meaning
Through keen observation, one can find deeper meaning in life
Mist clear windows, look through them
Clear the foggy windows and seek clarity by looking through them
Snow melts, grass shows, doors open
With time, things change and new opportunities arise, be ready to embrace them
Real life's peculiar, way things are happening
Life may seem strange, but embrace its uniqueness
Mountains like embers, glowing and smoldering
View the beautiful and powerful essence of mountains as they glow in the light
Following, wallowing, deep in the void
At times, we may feel lost and swallowed by a void, but keep moving forward
Slowly but surely you start coming closer to it
With time, we can start to understand and overcome our struggles
Tis on the pane, windows mottled
The answer or solution may already be in front of us, but it may not be clear yet
Here through the rain, world looks bottled
During tough times, the world may seem like it's restrained or confined
Eyes see life's meaning
Through observation and understanding, one can find the true meaning of life
Contributed by Leo C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.