When he’s not in the studio working on new music, Rodney is working hard out on the road, connecting with loyal fans in cities across the country. An avid supporter of our military, with over 14 million records sold, over 1.5 billion on-demand streams, and multiple #1’s, Atkins has become a backbone of country music.
Family
Rodney Atkins Lyrics
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It's been three years since I've seen it
Now I remember why Aunt Charlotte's at the door
Big smile on her face the first thing she says to me,
"Looks like you've gained some weight"
You only get that kind of honesty from family
Uncle Joe's getting plastered
Same old cousin Doug
Same old jokes, same old bad
Mama has to keep reminding me
Son, they're family
A few new babies, the same old crazies
I've known 'em my whole life and they still amaze me
I didn't choose 'em, but I'd hate to lose 'em
'Cause you gotta love 'em, they're family
Cousin Linda showed up, with her new sweetheart
I had to laugh when daddy whispered
Fifth time might be the charm
And there's a brother Lester
Lives in the city just flew in
All the way from way out yonder
We're still not sure about him
But different as we are it's good to be, a family
A few new babies, the same old crazies
I've known 'em my whole life and they still amaze me
I didn't choose 'em wouldn't wanna lose 'em
But you gotta love 'em, man they're family
When mama said the blessings she was fightin' back the tears
'Cause the last time we were all together
Grandpa was here and she knew how proud he'd be
And how much he'd love to see
A few new babies, the same old crazies
I've known 'em my whole life and they still amaze me
Don't get to choose 'em, but you hate to lose 'em
You gotta love 'em 'cause they're family
Family reunion, fourth of July
It's been three years since I've seen it now I remember why
The song "Family" by Rodney Atkins is a nostalgic and heartwarming ode to spending time with one's family. As the title suggests, the song celebrates the ups and downs of family reunions, which are usually marked by the presence of a few memorable personalities.
The lyrics describe a typical Fourth of July family reunion, which the singer has not attended in three years. Upon reuniting with his large and eccentric family, he quickly remembers why he had missed them so much. The events of the reunion include some familiar antics, such as Uncle Joe getting drunk and Aunt Marthe getting angry, and some new developments, such as Cousin Linda bringing along a new beau. Despite the challenges and chaos of being part of such a large and varied family, the singer expresses a deep sense of gratitude and love for all of them, recognizing that they are irreplaceable and worth cherishing.
The song's nostalgia and emphasis on family values have resonated with many listeners, especially those who have experienced similar reunions or have fond memories of growing up with a large family. "Family" highlights the importance of being connected to one's roots and the people who have played a pivotal role in shaping who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Family reunion, fourth of July
The singer is attending a family reunion on the Fourth of July.
It's been three years since I've seen it
The singer has not seen his family in three years.
Now I remember why Aunt Charlotte's at the door
The singer remembers why Aunt Charlotte is at the door.
Big smile on her face the first thing she says to me, "Looks like you've gained some weight"
Aunt Charlotte greets the artist and comments on his weight with a big smile.
You only get that kind of honesty from family
The artist notes that this kind of honesty is only found in family.
Uncle Joe's getting plastered
Uncle Joe is getting drunk.
Aunt Marthe's getting mad
Aunt Marthe is getting upset.
Same old cousin Doug
The artist's cousin Doug is the same as ever.
Same old jokes, same old bad
Doug tells the same bad jokes as he always has.
Mama has to keep reminding me
Son, they're family
The artist's mother reminds him that his relatives are family.
A few new babies, the same old crazies
I've known 'em my whole life and they still amaze me
I didn't choose 'em, but I'd hate to lose 'em
'Cause you gotta love 'em, they're family
The singer reflects on his family, noting that while there are some new additions and the same old odd characters, he wouldn't want to lose any of them because they're family.
Cousin Linda showed up, with her new sweetheart
I had to laugh when daddy whispered
Fifth time might be the charm
Cousin Linda arrived with a new boyfriend, and the artist's father jokes that the fifth time might be the charm for her.
And there's a brother Lester
Lives in the city just flew in
All the way from way out yonder
We're still not sure about him
The singer's brother Lester has come from the city to attend the reunion, but the family is still unsure about him for some reason.
But different as we are it's good to be, a family
Despite their differences, it's good to be part of a family.
When mama said the blessings she was fightin' back the tears
'Cause the last time we were all together
Grandpa was here and she knew how proud he'd be
And how much he'd love to see
The singer's mother gets emotional during the blessing because the family hasn't all been together since grandpa passed away, and she knows he would have been proud and happy to see them reunited.
Don't get to choose 'em, but you hate to lose 'em
You gotta love 'em 'cause they're family
The artist notes that while you don't get to choose your family, you would hate to lose them and you have to love them because they are family.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: GEORGE TEREN, JIM COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind