Families
Neil Young Lyrics


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When you try to bring our spirit home
Won't you celebrate our lives
In a way that's right for our children
And families

When you write your songs about us
Won't you try to do us justice
Because we want to be just like you
And your families

I see a light ahead
There's a chill wind blowin' in my head
I wish that I was home instead
With my family

There's a universe between us now
But I want to reach out and tell you
How much you mean to me
And my family

I'm goin' back to the USA
I just got my ticket today




I can't wait to see you again
In the USA.

Overall Meaning

Neil Young's "Families" is a moving plea for connection and compassion in a time of political and social unrest. In the first verse, he asks those who want to bring the "spirit" of his people "home" to celebrate their lives in a way that is appropriate for families and children. The choice of words is significant here; "home" represents both a physical place and a spiritual state, and "spirit" connotes not just the essence of a culture or community but also an individual's innermost being. Young is essentially saying that these things are inseparable and must be respected as such.


In the second verse, Young turns his focus to those who write songs about people like him and his family. Here, he implores them to do justice to their stories and experiences, acknowledging that people like him and his family aspire to be like their idols. This is a powerful reminder that popular culture often shapes our self-image and sense of identity, and that those who have the power to influence it have a responsibility to represent diverse perspectives with empathy and respect.


The third verse contains some of the most emotive imagery in the song, with Young describing a "light" he sees ahead but a "chill wind" blowing in his head. He longs to be with his family instead of feeling isolated and adrift, and reaches out to express his love and appreciation despite the "universe" between them. These lines convey a deep sense of longing and displacement, which are common themes in Young's oeuvre.


Line by Line Meaning

When you try to bring our spirit home
When you attempt to connect with our culture and values


Won't you celebrate our lives
Please respect and acknowledge our existence


In a way that's right for our children
In a manner that is appropriate for future generations


And families
And for our loved ones and relatives


When you write your songs about us
When you create music that highlights our experiences


Won't you try to do us justice
Please depict us accurately and with dignity


Because we want to be just like you
We look up to you and aspire to be like you


And your families
And to have what you have with your loved ones


I see a light ahead
I have hope for the future


There's a chill wind blowin' in my head
I am feeling unsettled and uncertain


I wish that I was home instead
I long to be with my family and in my familiar surroundings


With my family
With the people who know and love me best


There's a universe between us now
We are geographically and culturally distant from one another


But I want to reach out and tell you
Despite the distance, I want to communicate with you


How much you mean to me
I value and cherish our relationship


And my family
And the connection we have with one another


I'm goin' back to the USA
I am returning to my home country


I just got my ticket today
I have made concrete plans to travel


I can't wait to see you again
I am eagerly anticipating our reunion


In the USA.
When I am back on American soil




Lyrics © SONY ATV MUSIC PUB LLC
Written by: NEIL YOUNG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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