Family Affair
John Legend and Joss Stone W/ Van Hunt Lyrics
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It's a family affair, it's a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn yeah
Another child grows up to be
Somebody we just love to burn
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood's thicker than the mud, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
I'm that newlywed just a year ago
But they're still checking each other out
And nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out
You can't leave 'cause your heart is there
Sure you can't stay 'cause you been somewhere else
You can't cry 'cause you'll look broke down
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down
It's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
The lyrics to John Legend, Joss Stone, and Van Hunt's song "Family Affair" explore the complexities and dynamics of growing up in a family. The song highlights how siblings can have vastly different personalities, goals, and attitudes, yet they both hold a special place in their mother's heart. It highlights the idea that family relationships are not always straightforward, but they remain strong because of the blood ties that bind.
The first verse emphasizes how two children can grow up so differently, one who loves to learn, and the other who seems rebellious and non-conformist. However, despite their differences, the mother "loves the both of them." The second verse then mentions how being married also creates its set of challenges. Both partners are still figuring each other out, and nobody wants to be left out or left behind. It highlights the complexities of love, where one's heart may reside in a particular place, but they cannot stay because they have been somewhere else, resulting in one feeling broken down.
The chorus is repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing that despite all the complexities that arise, family will always be an integral part of an individual's life. It's a constant emotional connection that, no matter what happens, cannot be taken away by life's external circumstances, and that it's a family affair.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
This is about a family event that involves everyone
One child grows up to be
As children grow up, they develop a particular interest as one child becomes fond of learning
Somebody that just loves to learn yeah
One child is very interested in learning
Another child grows up to be
As children grow up, they develop a particular interest as another child becomes exciting to watch
Somebody we just love to burn
Another child is very interesting to watch and enjoy teasing
Mom loves the both of them
The mother loves both of her children equally
You see it's in the blood
The love the mother has for both of her children is because it is in their nature to be loved
Both kids are good to Mom
Both children are good to their mother
Blood's thicker than the mud, it's a family affair
Family is more important and stronger than anything else
I'm that newlywed just a year ago
The singer was recently married a year ago
But they're still checking each other out
The family members are still trying to learn and understand each other
And nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to ruin or disturb the family's peace
Nobody wants to be left out
Everyone wants to be involved in the family event
You can't leave 'cause your heart is there
You cannot leave because you have an emotional attachment to the family
Sure you can't stay 'cause you been somewhere else
You feel like you cannot stay because you have other responsibilities or interests
You can't cry 'cause you'll look broke down
You cannot express your emotions because you will appear weak
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down
You are crying regardless because you feel emotionally drained
It's a family affair
This is about a family event that involves everyone
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER BRIAN BRIDGES, KING FLOYD, SHARIEEFAH COOPER, SHELDON BULLOCK, DERRICK CHAVIS, EARL CONYERS, DARION T. CRAWFORD, TAUHEED EPPS, SHAWN T. JOHNSON, BOBBY WARDELL JR. SANDIMANIE, PRINCETON TERRY, ARBIE LEEDESTER SR. WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rocky Jeter Webb
I love this cover of "Family Affiar" with Joss Stone, John Legend, & Van Hunt! It is Spectacular! So glad they won a Grammy Award for this cover! They deserved it so much!
Eric Murphy
I love her voice. It soothes the soul and she sounds beautiful as always.
elizabeth parenteau
Awesome version of this song. LOVE IT!
blackprix
What a nice version of Sly's old song ... well done Joss and John!!!!
MrCJefferson
Awesome...It's great to hear some old school with some new young talent AH! keepin it fresh and dropin a old school in the mix.. back in the day! The Best!!
NORMA HIDALGO MAZADIEGO
I LOVE HER VOICE FANTASTIC BEAUTIFUL FOREVER MORE IN MAY WORLD I LOVE
jaime villarroel
dos grandes del soul
MsLocaga
it won a Grammy! :D
Anggi Pardede
right before Adele and Amy, there is Joss Stone
71Girl
like thisfunky rythm.. nice collaboration ;]