Maura O'Connell is an Irish born singer whose melodies gave her a successfu… Read Full Bio ↴Maura O'Connell is an Irish born singer whose melodies gave her a successful career in Ireland before she left for Nashville. She had released many albums, specially memorable is "Feet of a Dancer."
Dé Danann were first to find her - see her web site www.mauraoconnell.com for more information.

A Family Tie
Maura O'Connell Lyrics

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Her husband is a decent man
Kind as anyone you know
But whiskey got a hold of him
And won't let go, and even though
She hates him when she's stumbling
Her heart still breaks his fall

It is a family tie

It's just a family tie
It is a famiy tie that binds

Their child who they have loved so much
Still has somehow lost his way
He causes them such trouble
Every day, and you might say
How many times can you forgive
Well I cannot count that high

It is a family tie
It's just a family tie
It is a famiy tie that binds

It is the very best of gifts God gave
You have it with you from the cradle to the grave

It is a family tie

It's just a family tie
It is a famiy tie that binds

Overall Meaning

Maura O'Connell's song "A Family Tie" speaks to the deeply complicated and emotional connections that exist between family members, even when circumstances make them difficult to bear. The song tells the story of a woman who is married to a good-hearted man who has succumbed to the destructive power of alcohol. Despite the pain he causes her, the woman still cares for him, catching him and breaking his fall even as he stumbles through life.

But the song's message is not just about spousal love and commitment; it also explores the challenges of being a parent. The couple's child has "lost his way," and while they continue to love him, his behavior causes them endless trouble. Yet, despite their struggles, they cannot help but recognize the powerful force that binds them all together: the family tie.

Through these lyrics, O'Connell recognizes the difficult and painful realities that many families face. From addiction to wayward children, the song speaks to the fact that the bonds of family can be both a source of incredible strength and a deep well of pain. Yet, perhaps most importantly, "A Family Tie" acknowledges the fundamental truth that even when things get tough, family members are there for each other, bound together by a tie that endures through thick and thin.

Line by Line Meaning

Her husband is a decent man
The singer's husband is a good man.

Kind as anyone you know
He is compassionate, just like anybody you've ever met.

But whiskey got a hold of him
However, his addiction to alcohol has caught up with him.

And won't let go, and even though
He can't seem to quit, and despite this,

She hates him when she's stumbling
The artist dislikes him when he's drunk.

Her heart still breaks his fall
Nonetheless, she tries to cushion his falls.

Their child who they have loved so much
The couple deeply loves their child.

Still has somehow lost his way
Unfortunately, the child has veered off course somehow.

He causes them such trouble
The child gives them plenty of problems.

Every day, and you might say
On a daily basis, one might assert

How many times can you forgive
that it's difficult to keep forgiving.