shortstraw play music. music that sounds like puppies being born. music tha… Read Full Bio ↴shortstraw play music. music that sounds like puppies being born. music that sounds like protestors outside an abortion clinic. music that sounds like church bells ringing on a crisp sunday morning. music that sounds like angels playing scrabble. music that sounds like a married couple fighting through the thin wall of your apartment. now doesn't that sound nice?

shortstraw started out in 2007 as a two-piece thrash folk band consisting of the enigma that is oliver nathan and what most would call 'sarcastic', alastair thomas. they played a few shows in and around melville, joburg before bringing in the guitar and keyboard skills of jay hartford and the basswork of the esteemed and handsome phil brierley. now a four-piece, slightly less folky outfit, shortstraw aim to hit the gigging circuit with guns blazing, so look out for a show near you... fuck that's boring. apologies. frankie says go fuck yourself.

Keep It in the Family
Shortstraw Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm getting tired of being pushed around
I'm getting tired of holding this on the inside of four
Let in love with the concept of
Settling down and starting a family

I'm not budging

And all this time spent fucking around

I'm always tired like my youth at a funeral
I'm not afraid, I'm a failing son
A role model majoring in apathy

I'm not trudging

And go tell your father in Santiago
I got his daughter tied to my tree
I'm getting tired of acting excited
He'll never try to keep it in the family

I learned a lot about this growing up
When I saw the sequel before the original oh
And all this talk about the real world
But we're just scientists making up our anatomy

I'm just asking

Go tell your father in Santiago
I'm in his garden under a tree
I'm getting tired of acting excited
I'll always try to keep it in the family

(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family

And go tell your father in Santiago
I'm in his garden under a tree
I'm getting tired of acting excited
I'll always try to keep it in the family

(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family

(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family

Overall Meaning

The song "Keep It in the Family" by Shortstraw deals with a sense of frustration and exhaustion with the current state of affairs. The singer in the lyrics is tired of being pushed around and holding back their feelings while being in love with the concept of settling down and starting a family. The singer also admits to spending a lot of time "fucking around" but is not afraid of being a failing son or a role model that majors in apathy.

In the second verse, the lyrics shift toward a dark and ominous tone. The singer talks about having someone's daughter tied to their tree and being tired of acting excited. They also mention that they have learned a lot about life and the world but feel as though they are just scientists making up their own anatomy. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "keep it in the family" as if to remind listeners of the importance of staying close to loved ones.

Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the struggles of adulthood and the pressures to conform to society's expectations while staying true to oneself. It's a poignant expression of the desire for connection and belonging while navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm getting tired of being pushed around
I am becoming exhausted from being constantly manipulated and controlled by others.

I'm getting tired of holding this on the inside of four
I am becoming weary of suppressing my emotions and keeping them bottled up inside.

Let in love with the concept of Settling down and starting a family
I have developed a strong desire to find love and commit to a long-term relationship, with the intention of starting a family.

I'm not budging
I am not willing to compromise or give in to others' demands.

And all this time spent fucking around
I have wasted a significant amount of time on activities that have not benefited me in any way.

I'm always tired like my youth at a funeral
I am constantly fatigued, feeling as though I have lost the passion and energy I had in my younger years.

I'm not afraid, I'm a failing son
I am not scared of consequences and disappoint my parents, as I have already failed them in some way.

A role model majoring in apathy
Despite being someone who should set an example for others, I have instead become proficient in showing lack of interest or enthusiasm towards anything.

I'm not trudging
I am not walking heavily or with difficulty, physically, mentally, or emotionally.

And go tell your father in Santiago I got his daughter tied to my tree
Inform your dad in Santiago that I have his daughter in my possession and unable to escape.

I'm getting tired of acting excited
I am becoming weary of pretending to be enthusiastic or happy about something I am not.

He'll never try to keep it in the family
He will never attempt to maintain secrecy or keep certain matters confined within the family.

I learned a lot about this growing up When I saw the sequel before the original oh
I gained much knowledge and wisdom from my experiences growing up, especially when I watched a follow-up to a movie without watching the original.

And all this talk about the real world But we're just scientists making up our anatomy
Despite discussions about the actual state of the world, we are merely speculating and theorizing about our physical and mental makeup.

I'm just asking
I am only making an inquiry or request, without any other intentions or motives.

Go tell your father in Santiago I'm in his garden under a tree
Inform your dad that I am currently hiding in his garden, resting under a tree.

I'll always try to keep it in the family
I will always strive to keep secrets or aspects of my personal life within the family.

(Oh-oh) Keep it in the family
Repeating the chorus, emphasizing the importance of keeping matters within the family.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAKE RUBINSTEIN, ALASTAIR LESLIE THOMAS, THOMAS JAMES REVINGTON, GAD DE COMBES, RUSSELL GRANT COWARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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01Ignorance Is Bliss2:55

02Bowsie

03T-Shirt3:20

04Keep It in the Family

Shortstraw

05Thailand

06Boo

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@caesarochoa3368

I'm getting tired of being pushed around
I'm getting tired of holding this on the inside
Lent in love with the concept of
Settling down and starting a family

I'm not budging

And all this time spent fucking around
I'm always tired like my youth at a funeral
I'm not afraid, I'm a failing son
A role model majoring in apathy

I'm not budging

And go tell your father in Santiago
I've got his daughter tied to my tree
I'm getting tired of acting excited
He'll never try to keep it in the family

A learned a lot about this growing up
When I saw the sequel before the original
And all this talk about the real world
But we're just (???) making up our anatomy

I'm just asking

And go tell your father in Santiago
I'm in his garden under a tree
I'm getting tired of acting excited
I'll always try to keep it in the family

Oooo

Oooo

Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family

And go tell your father in Santiago
I'm in his garden under a tree
I'm getting tired of acting excited
I'll always try to keep it in the family

Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family
Keep it in the family