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.
The Cat and the Rat
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you bet your sweet life you won't make it
Yeah the odds are against, it's a barbed wire fence
And you're caught by the ass, you can't shake it
You get the cat and the rat if you've got a big sack
Beat 'em to death in your own little trap
Well you're caught in a storm, your shoes they got worn
Yeh, you think of the ones, the impotent Johns
And you're glad you're alive and can shake it
(REPEAT CHORUS)
(REPEAT WHOLE SONG)
You can shake it!
The lyrics to Family's song "The Cat And The Rat" are quite interesting in its depiction of the power struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed. The first verse of the song paints a bleak picture of the reality faced by those on the lower rungs of the societal ladder. The imagery of kicking at a cat and stamping on a rat is representative of the brutality of the oppressor, who acts with impunity to inflict harm upon the helpless victim. However, the odds are stacked against the oppressor, who is caught by the metaphorical barbed wire fence and unable to shake off the consequences of their actions. This image echoes the idea of karma, the idea that one's actions have consequences, and ultimately, one reaps what one sows.
The second verse of the song describes the experience of being caught in a storm, which serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations of life. The shoes getting worn out represents the struggle to keep going despite difficulties, and the impotent Johns are representative of those who are unable to rise above their circumstances. The final message of the song is one of resilience and perseverance, as the individual comes out on top, having survived the storm.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the struggle for survival in a world where the odds are often stacked against the underprivileged. The use of metaphorical imagery and powerful language creates a vivid picture of the struggle for survival, and the final message of resilience is one that is sure to resonate with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you can kick at a cat, stamp on a rat
You can try to harm those who are weaker than you.
But you bet your sweet life you won't make it
But it's unlikely that you will succeed.
Yeah the odds are against, it's a barbed wire fence
The likelihood of success is low because of the obstacles in the way.
And you're caught by the ass, you can't shake it
You're stuck in a difficult situation that you can't get out of.
You get the cat and the rat if you've got a big sack
If you have the means to do so, you can capture both the weaker and stronger opponent.
Beat 'em to death in your own little trap
You have control over the situation and can bring harm to others.
Well you're caught in a storm, your shoes they got worn
You're stuck in a difficult situation that has caused negative consequences for you.
They're insane at the rain, they can't break it
Others may not be able to handle the same difficult situation as you.
Yeh, you think of the ones, the impotent Johns
You reflect on those who are unable to deal with challenging situations.
And you're glad you're alive and can shake it
You're grateful that you have the ability to overcome and move on from negative situations.
(REPEAT CHORUS)
The chorus repeats the same message that it's difficult to hurt those who are weaker than you and it's better to be grateful for what you have.
(REPEAT WHOLE SONG)
The song repeats the message that it's difficult to harm those who are weaker than you and you should be grateful for what you have.
You can shake it!
You can overcome difficult situations and move on.
Contributed by Kylie J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.