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.
Wheels
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They look through and distort their views
They say it's alright and add with a wink
But the wink has the smile of abuse
I'm holding a mirror no one wants to peek in
It's cracked they say with a wearisome moan
But the crack is a path just there for the seeking
Losing out slowly I'm trying to make good
But wheels slowly grinding, grind slowly to mud, slowly to mud
I wished for the earth, and I got me a piece
My integrity down, my soul for the lease
No one can repeat what my mouth tries to speak
Forsaking the bit, not seeing the leak
(REPEAT VERSE ONE)
(REPEAT CHORUS)
The song "Wheels" by Family speaks about the struggle of being true to oneself, and maintaining integrity in a world that often distorts and obscures reality. The opening lines, "I'm holding a bubble no one can believe in, They look through and distort their views" illustrate the frustration that comes with holding onto a belief system that others may not understand or accept. The bubble represents a dream, a goal, or an idea that is fragile and vulnerable, and those who look through and distort their views are the people who cannot understand or support it. The following line "They say it's alright and add with a wink, But the wink has the smile of abuse" highlights the irony of people who claim to be supportive, only to show their true intentions through a subtle expression or gesture.
The second verse continues with the metaphor of a mirror, which no one wants to peek in, because it is cracked. The mirror represents the self, and the crack represents a flaw or imperfection that one can choose to ignore or embrace. The line "But the crack is a path just there for the seeking, Look harder the pavings are shown" encourages the listener to look beyond the surface, and to see the potential for growth and change in the flaws that make us human.
The chorus speaks of the struggle to maintain one's integrity despite the attempts of others to bring you down. "Losing out slowly I'm trying to make good, But wheels slowly grinding, grind slowly to mud, slowly to mud" suggests that the singer is facing an uphill battle, and every step forward is met with resistance. The final verse speaks of the consequences of compromising one's values for the sake of success or acceptance. "I wished for the earth, and I got me a piece, My integrity down, my soul for the lease, No one can repeat what my mouth tries to speak, Forsaking the bit, not seeing the leak" tells the story of a person who has achieved their goals, but at a great cost to their own sense of self. The line "Forsaking the bit, not seeing the leak" suggests that the singer has given up control of their own life, and is blind to the ways in which they are being exploited or taken advantage of.
Overall, "Wheels" is a powerful commentary on the human struggle to maintain one's values and sense of self in a world that can be hostile and unforgiving. The metaphors of the bubble and the mirror represent the challenges of holding onto something that others cannot see or understand, while the chorus highlights the cost of compromise and the importance of staying true to oneself. The song is a reflection of the social and political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and speaks to the ongoing struggle for individuality and authenticity in a rapidly changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm holding a bubble no one can believe in
I am keeping a hope that no one wishes to believe in.
They look through and distort their views
People scrutinize and misconstrue their perspectives.
They say it's alright and add with a wink
Others say it is acceptable with a wink, but they have a concealed malice behind it.
But the wink has the smile of abuse
However, the wink conceals and portrays an abusive smile.
I'm holding a mirror no one wants to peek in
I have a reflection that nobody desires to observe.
It's cracked they say with a wearisome moan
People claim that it's flawed with a tiresome groan.
But the crack is a path just there for the seeking
The crack can be seen as an opportunity to pursue new paths.
Look harder the pavings are shown
With a more profound contemplation, new ways can be perceived.
Losing out slowly I'm trying to make good
I'm gradually losing and endeavoring to improve myself.
But wheels slowly grinding, grind slowly to mud, slowly to mud
However, my efforts are futile, and my situation is worsening every day.
I wished for the earth, and I got me a piece
I longed for much, but I only received a fragment.
My integrity down, my soul for the lease
In the process, I bargained my ethics and even my soul.
No one can repeat what my mouth tries to speak
Nobody can articulate my thoughts the way I do.
Forsaking the bit, not seeing the leak
Overlooking the consequences, I chose to overlook the signs and proceeded with my plan.
(REPEAT VERSE ONE)
Same as the first verse.
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Same as the first chorus.
Contributed by Austin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@martynh5410
Great track from one of the best bands from the 70's.
@StephaneNestel
GREAT SONG!
@maxmir3793
Life needs to be updated there are not only Pink Floyd, Family is OK!
@shemanic1
top tune from top album by top band
@notty2519
cool !!!
@alexabrennan4723
I came across a lot of weird shite trying to find this song...
@SAHogan-ih3bo
AB: Pull up to the kerb and tell us about it, mate...
@rafael16759
its funny trying to search their music
@maxmir3793
Sartre J P Optimistic existential, cursed coffee