Family
Performed by Jamie Foxx;Jennifer Hudson;Beyoncé Knowles;Keith Robinson;An Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Curtis says its the best thing for the group.
What about whats best for me?
He feels the Dreams can crossover.
What about how I feel?
But when we're famous I'll write great things for ya,
Effie do it for me.
What about me?
It's more than you, it is more than me
No matter what we are, we are a family
This dream is for all of us, this one can be real,
And you cant stop us now because of how you feel
It's more than you,
It is more than me
Whatever dreams we have, there for the family,
We're not alone anymore now there are others there,
And that dreams big enough for all of us to share,
So don't think that your going,
You're not going anywhere, your staying and taking your share, and if
You get afraid again, I'll be there
We are a family like a giant tree branching out towards the sky, we are a family we
Are so much more than just you and I we are a family like a giant tree,
Growing stronger, growing wiser, we are growing free
We need you.
We are a family
The song "Family" from the musical Dreamgirls is a powerful anthem about sticking together and supporting each other in the face of challenges. The main character, Effie, is struggling with feeling like she is being left behind and not receiving the recognition she deserves. The other characters are reminding her that they are all in this together and that they need each other to succeed as a group. The lyrics highlight the tensions between personal desires and group needs, and ultimately emphasize the importance of unity and loyalty.
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, with its images of a giant tree branching out towards the sky. This metaphor suggests that the characters are like the branches of the tree, all connected to a common trunk and striving towards a common goal. The repetition of the phrase "we are a family" reinforces this sense of collective identity and shared purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
What about what I need?
I am concerned about my own needs and desires.
Curtis says its the best thing for the group.
Curtis believes that this decision is beneficial for the whole group.
What about whats best for me?
I am questioning if this decision is truly best for me.
He feels the Dreams can crossover.
He has confidence that the Dreams can appeal to a wider audience.
What about how I feel?
I am expressing my emotional response to the situation at hand.
But when we're famous I'll write great things for ya,
In the future when we've achieved fame, I promise to write amazing things for you.
Effie do it for me.
I am pleading with Effie to carry out this task on my behalf.
What about me?
I am emphasizing my own personal importance in this scenario.
It's more than you, it is more than me
This dream and decision are significant beyond just an individual's wants or needs.
No matter what we are, we are a family
Amidst our differences, we are bonded as a familial unit.
This dream is for all of us, this one can be real,
We share a common goal, and together, we can make it a reality.
And you cant stop us now because of how you feel
We won't allow one person's negative attitude or emotions to derail our aspirations.
Whatever dreams we have, there for the family,
All of our individual dreams contribute to our collective vision as a family.
We're not alone anymore now there are others there,
We have the support and companionship of others who share our dreams.
And that dreams big enough for all of us to share,
Our shared dream is vast and meaningful enough for all of us to play a part in it.
So don't think that your going,
We don't want anyone to feel excluded or pushed out of our familial unit.
You're not going anywhere, your staying and taking your share, and if
We want everyone to feel included and accept their role in contributing to our shared dream.
You get afraid again, I'll be there
I will be there to support and comfort you if you become fearful or anxious.
We are a family like a giant tree branching out towards the sky, we are a family we
We are likening our family unit to a tall, strong tree that reaches for the sky.
Are so much more than just you and I we are a family like a giant tree,
Together, we are greater than the sum of our individual selves, just like a tree is more than just its branches or leaves.
Growing stronger, growing wiser, we are growing free
As we pursue our shared dream, we are gaining strength, wisdom, and a sense of liberation.
We need you.
We value and require your contribution to our family and dream.
We are a family
We are a tight-knit unit that supports and uplifts each other.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOM WHITLOCK, STEVE BATES, LARRY LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind