Family Affair
Keb Mo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Mom loves the both of them
Both kids are good to mom
But blood's thicker than mud
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
Lord, it's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out, yes you are
Nobody wants to blow
And nobody wants to be left out, no
You can't leave
'Cause your heart is there
You can't stay
'Cause you've been somewhere else
You can't cry
'Cause you'll look broke down
But you're crying anyway
'Cause you're all broke down
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
Yeah, 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, it's a family affair
In Keb Mo's song "Family Affair," the lyrics describe the complexities of family relationships. The first verse talks about how two children from the same family can grow up to be completely opposite in terms of their personalities and goals in life. One child "loves to learn," while the other is "somebody you'd just love to burn." However, despite their differences, the mother still loves them both, as it is "in the blood." This is a common theme in families, where despite disagreements and fights, the love and bond between family members is always present.
The second verse talks about the struggles of newlyweds in a relationship, where there is a constant desire to maintain a balance between giving space and wanting to be included. The lyrics describe the feeling of being torn between wanting to stay in the relationship because of the love and connection but feeling like you have been somewhere else. It talks about the internal struggles we face in relationships and how sometimes it can feel impossible to find the right balance.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
The situation described is a common experience for many families.
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
One child is academically inclined and loves to learn.
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
The other child grows up to be someone not particularly likable, perhaps with an unpleasant disposition.
Mom loves the both of them
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to mom
But blood's thicker than mud
Their mother loves them both equally and feels compelled to remain neutral due to their shared heritage, despite their differences.
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out, yes you are
Nobody wants to blow
And nobody wants to be left out, no
The newlyweds are still getting to know each other and are hesitant to assert themselves or cause conflict.
You can't leave
'Cause your heart is there
You can't stay
'Cause you've been somewhere else
The spouse is unable to determine whether they should stay in the relationship because their emotions are divided.
You can't cry
'Cause you'll look broke down
But you're crying anyway
'Cause you're all broke down
One cannot show emotion without appearing weak, but they are struggling and overwhelmed with sadness.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind