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.
Top Of The Hill
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But some things you do and some things you don't
That's said
In any book that you've read
Take all the people you ever knew
Who did all the things that you wanted to
A feat
Everyday oft he week
But if you're looking for time
You'll be looking until
There ain't no crying
At the top of the hill
And you know full well
That you'll be looking there still
Until your head stop
And your body is still
Take all the clowns who laugh in the ring
They'll teach you to smile and they'll teach you to sing
But that's all
And then it's harder to fall
Think of the ladies you've ever seen
Out in the sun when the summer is green
And grin
When you think where you bin
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Think of the good times you've ever had
Think of the sad, well they're never so bad
Just grin
When you think where you bin
You can do most things when how you want
But some things you do and some things you don't
That's said
In any book that you've read
(REPEAT CHORUS)
The lyrics of Family's song "Top Of The Hill" seem to revolve around the topic of self-discovery and the journey towards finding contentment and fulfillment. The song advises that although one can accomplish most things when they want, they may still feel unfulfilled, and that true happiness is not found in material or external achievements. The song suggests that one can learn from and be inspired by others, but they ultimately have to find their own path in life. It is almost as if the lyrics are saying that no matter how hard you try to find satisfaction in what you do, you will not be able to find it until you find inner peace and let go of fleeting desires.
The first verse discusses how people often do things they don't necessarily want to do, and how books and the people around us can help shape our choices. The chorus speaks of looking for time, and essentially searching for happiness, but that we'll never find it at the top of the hill, as there is no crying there. In the second verse, the song compares the pleasure we can gain from laughing and singing with the inevitable difficulty of falling. The final verse speaks of remembering our past and reflecting on our good and bad experiences, as they shape who we are and teach us valuable lessons.
Line by Line Meaning
You can do most things when how you want
You have control over your own actions and can choose to do most things your own way
But some things you do and some things you don't
However, there are some actions you can take and some you cannot
That's said
It is a well-known fact
In any book that you've read
This concept is expressed in many sources of literature
Take all the people you ever knew
Consider all the individuals you have encountered
Who did all the things that you wanted to
Of those individuals, those who have accomplished the actions you desire
A feat
An impressive achievement
Everyday of the week
This feat is accomplished by those individuals every day
But if you're looking for time
However, if you are searching for time
You'll be looking until
Your search will go on until
There ain't no crying
There will be no tears shed
At the top of the hill
Even at the height of success
And you know full well
You are aware that
That you'll be looking there still
You will still be searching for what you desire
Until your head stop
Until you die
And your body is still
And your body ceases to move
Take all the clowns who laugh in the ring
Consider all the entertainers who laugh and perform for others
They'll teach you to smile and they'll teach you to sing
They can inspire you to find joy and express yourself
But that's all
However, that is the extent of their influence
And then it's harder to fall
After finding happiness and confidence, it becomes more difficult to stumble and lose that sense of self
Think of the ladies you've ever seen
Remember all the women you have observed
Out in the sun when the summer is green
Especially those who enjoy the beauty of nature during summertime
And grin
Smile
When you think where you bin
As you remember where you have been in life
Think of the good times you've ever had
Reflect on the joyful moments you have experienced
Think of the sad, well they're never so bad
Even the hard times are not as terrible as they seem
Just grin
Simply smile
When you think where you bin
As you evaluate your life journey so far
You can do most things when how you want
Once again, you are capable of taking control and doing most things your own way
But some things you do and some things you don't
However, there are still certain actions that are outside of your control
That's said
Once more, this is a commonly accepted idea
In any book that you've read
This sentiment has been expressed in many works of literature
Chorus...
The chorus repeats the central ideas and message of the song
Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paul Bennethum
One of those old songs that will pop into my head in the morning and play on an endless loop all day.
Josef Eschweiler
Like German critic Schmidt-Joos once wrote in his "Rocklexikon" (encyclopedia): "One of the most profound bands who never made it". Damn right. Their variety is the trump. Often hard, sometimes folky, but always progressive. I think that they were poorly promoted by their management and record company, like so many other bands who would have deserved more attention. I was 15-17 at this time and didn't have the money to buy 'em LPs, Today, 50 ys later, I can still deeply dive into their records. Thanks a lot.
Bob fronz
hi Josef! i listen to hundred and hundred albums...nothing is like Family...
Generatorhead
All time classic. Drenched with honest emotion and feeling. Thanks for posting.
Tom Burns
Phenomenon of an album: You hear it today and you wish it was yesterday
John Sirois
Saw these guys in 70 opening for Johnny Winter. They put a lot of variety in those shows back then. Everything everywhere.
Thomas Winkelmuller
Un titre à la fois planant, envoûtant mais aussi brut de décoffrage et rugueux comme la voix du chanteur Chapman. C'est bien tout le charme si particulier de Family.
Nigel Charlton-Wright
Used to listen to this on my compilation tape in my '60's Humber in 2018. Now it has a CD radio. Classic track pity I sold the LP along with my other records.
Amadeo Cerda
Excelente
Jerry Wood
Best tracks, Burlesque and my friend the Sun