Family Is Family
Kacey Musgraves Lyrics


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They're there for your first year, they give you your first beer
When you get your heart broke, they're there for your worst year
Don't get you at all, but your apple don't fall too far from 'em

They own too much wicker and drink too much liquor
You'd wash your hands of them, but blood's always thicker
You might look just like 'em, that don't mean you're like 'em
But you love 'em

Family is family, in church or in prison
You get what you get, and you don't get to pick 'em
They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys
Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family

They're there when you're married, divorced, and remarried
You fall out of touch, but then someone gets buried
And you're right back together like no time has ever gone by

Can't live with or without 'em, you might talk about 'em
But if someone else does, well, then you'll knock 'em out 'cause
When it's all said and done, they're the only ones that you got

Family is family, in church or in prison
You get what you get, and you don't get to pick 'em
They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys
Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family

Yeah, family is funny, they'll ask you for money
Even though they know you ain't got no money
They show up at Christmas, get up in your business
They might not be fancy, but family is family





You might look just like 'em, that don't mean you're like 'em
But you love 'em

Overall Meaning

Kacey Musgraves's song Family Is Family is all about the complexities of family relationships. The lyrics speak to the idea that family is a constant in our lives, even though we may not always agree with or understand them. The first few lines of the song talk about how family members are often the ones who are there for us during important milestones in our lives. This can include things like our first year of life, our first broken heart, and our worst year. Even if family members may not fully understand us, they will always be a part of our lives, as the apple does not fall far from the tree.


The chorus of the song really drives home the idea that family is family, no matter what. It talks about how we don't get to choose our family, but we have to accept them for who they are. This can include their bad habits, like smoking, but also the good things that they do for us, like giving us their kidneys. The song talks about how friends may come and go, but our families will always be there for us, even in the toughest of times. The song ends on a note of love for family, even though they may not be perfect.


Overall, Family Is Family is a song that celebrates the complicated and often messy nature of family relationships. It acknowledges that our families may not always live up to our expectations, but they are a constant presence in our lives that we cannot do without.


Line by Line Meaning

They're there for your first year, they give you your first beer
Family is there for you from the very beginning and are often the ones who introduce you to certain milestones in life.


When you get your heart broke, they're there for your worst year
Family is there to support you during the tough times when you are emotionally broken.


Don't get you at all, but your apple don't fall too far from 'em
Even though you may not understand your family or agree with them, you still share a lot of their traits and characteristics because you are related.


They own too much wicker and drink too much liquor
Your family may have habits or possessions that you find strange or excessive.


You'd wash your hands of them, but blood's always thicker
Even if you wanted to distance yourself from your family, the fact that you are related by blood makes it challenging to completely sever ties with them.


You might look just like 'em, that don't mean you're like 'em
Physical appearance is not an indicator of shared values or beliefs with your family.


But you love 'em
Despite any disagreements or differences, you still care for and love your family.


Family is family, in church or in prison
The bond of family exists regardless of where someone may be or what situation they may be in.


You get what you get, and you don't get to pick 'em
You don't get to choose your family, you just have to accept them for who they are.


They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys
Your family members may have unhealthy habits, but they are also willing to make great sacrifices for you.


Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family
While friends are important, the connection of family runs deeper and is more significant.


They're there when you're married, divorced, and remarried
Family is there through all your relationship ups and downs, even if you get divorced and remarried.


You fall out of touch, but then someone gets buried
Family members may drift apart but they will reunite in times of tragedy such as a death in the family.


And you're right back together like no time has ever gone by
Even if you haven't seen your family in a while, the bond is still there when you reunite.


Can't live with or without 'em, you might talk about 'em
You may have a love-hate relationship with your family and even talk about them behind their backs.


But if someone else does, well, then you'll knock 'em out 'cause
While you may criticize or joke about your family, you will not tolerate anyone else doing so.


When it's all said and done, they're the only ones that you got
At the end of the day, your family is the only constant and reliable presence in your life.


Yeah, family is funny, they'll ask you for money
Even though your family knows you may not have money to give, they may still ask for it.


Even though they know you ain't got no money
Your family knows your financial struggles but may still ask for help.


They show up at Christmas, get up in your business
Your family may invade your personal space and ask questions or give opinions about your life.


They might not be fancy, but family is family
Your family may not be perfect or wealthy, but their connection to you is still important.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kacey Musgraves, Shane L Mcanally, Josh Osborne

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@airesmeduem

They're there for your first year, they give you your first beer
When you get your heart broke, they're there for your worst year
Don't get you at all, but your apple don't fall too far from 'em
They own too much wicker and drink too much liquor
You'd wash your hands of them, but blood's always thicker
You might look just like 'em, that don't mean you're like 'em
But you love 'em
Family is family, in church or in prison
You get what you get, and you don't get to pick 'em
They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys
Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family
They're there when you're married, divorced, and remarried
You fall out of touch, but then someone gets buried
And you're right back together like no time has ever gone by
Can't live with or without 'em, you might talk about 'em
But if someone else does, well, then you'll knock 'em out 'cause
When it's all said and done, they're the only ones that you got
Family is family, in church or in prison
You get what you get, and you don't get to pick 'em
They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys
Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family
Yeah, family is funny, they'll ask you for money
Even though they know you ain't got no money
They show up at Christmas, get up in your business
They might not be fancy, but family is family
You might look just like 'em, that don't mean you're like 'em
But you love 'em



All comments from YouTube:

@hannahdosher9713

I am addicted to this entire album! So catchy and real.

@ishikeen

It’s my favorite KM album

@kevinhallisey5201

Best Christmas album I’ve ever heard.

@christinestarr2638

This artist is brilliant and so is this song.

@shadyea

I freakin' love this song! fav part, "Family is funny, they'll ask you for money even (though/when) they know you don't have no money."

@shadyea

I think I'm definitely buying it!

@fe5018

shadyea lol even just the phrasing on that line is hysterical.

@sophiecat2687

shadyea I saw your comment right as she said that what are the odds 😊

@GeekHippieEndarkened

since she mentions the phrase in this song, heres a fun fact:, the full version of the phrase "blood is thicker than water" is allegedly "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of womb", which actually tells us that friendships are stronger than familial relationships.
i just thought that was kind of funny.

@serenaalvarez7616

true

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