Family Affair
Sly And The Family Stone Lyrics
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It's a family affair, it's a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Mom loves the both of them
Both kids are good to Mom
"Blood's thicker than mud"
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out
You can't leave, 'cause your heart is there
But you can't stay, 'cause you been somewhere else!
You can't cry, 'cause you'll look broke down
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down!
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
The lyrics to Sly and The Family Stone's "Family Affair" explore the complexities and contradictions of family dynamics. The song points out how different family members can grow up to be very different people, with different values, interests, and lifestyles. The song highlights how a parent's love for their children is unconditional and how family bonds are strong, and sometimes conflicting, no matter what.
The first verse talks about children growing up differently, with one child loving to learn while the other becoming someone that you'd "just love to burn." However, despite their differences, their mom loves them both because it is in their blood to care for their family. The second verse is about a newlywed couple dealing with insecurities and trust issues. They are still getting to know each other and figuring out how to navigate their expectations and desires. The song ends on the chorus, emphasizing that, above all else, family is the most important thing, and it is a complicated, messy, but ultimately loving "family affair."
Overall, "Family Affair" is a timeless classic that showcases the beauty and challenges that come with being part of a family. The song's poignant lyrics, combined with its funk-inspired beats, make it a great anthem for families of all generations.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
The situation they describe is one that happens within the family
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
The situation they describe is one that happens within the family
One child grows up to be
One of the children grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
Someone who is passionate about learning
And another child grows up to be
Another child grows up to become
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Someone you would like to hurt or destroy
Mom loves the both of them
The mother loves both of her children
You see it's in the blood
The love between a mother and her children is natural and instinctive
Both kids are good to Mom
Both of the children treat their mother well
"Blood's thicker than mud"
The bond of family is stronger than any other bond
Newlywed a year ago
Married for only a year
But you're still checking each other out
You're still observing and evaluating each other in your marriage
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to mess up the relationship
Nobody wants to be left out
Nobody wants to feel excluded from the relationship
You can't leave, 'cause your heart is there
You can't leave the relationship because you still love your partner
But you can't stay, 'cause you been somewhere else!
You can't stay in the relationship because you have another person in your life
You can't cry, 'cause you'll look broke down
You can't cry because you don't want to appear weak
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down!
But you're crying anyway because you're overwhelmed with emotions
It's a family affair
The situation they describe is one that happens within the family
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Mom loves the both of them
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood's thicker than mud
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out
You can't leave, 'cause your heart is there
But you can't stay, 'cause you been somewhere else!
You can't cry, 'cause you'll look broke down
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down!
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
Mom loves the both of them
You see it's in the blood
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood's thicker than mud
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Chorus]
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
[Verse 1]
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be
Somebody you'd just love to burn
[Verse 2]
Mom loves the both of them
You see, it's in the blood
Both kids are good to mom
Blood's thicker than the mud
[Chorus]
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
Over there, over there
[Verse 3]
Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out, hey
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out, uh-huh
[Verse 4]
You can't leave cause your heart is there
But, sure, you can't stay cause you been somewhere else
You can't cry cause you'll look broke down
But you're crying anyway cause you're all broke down
[Chorus]
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
It's a family affair
Oh, hey, a family affair
It's a family affair
@deeneveu2384
This Song can never get old
@kevinlong5392
NO
@MrCancer1965
Never
@larryaldama1673
👍🇺🇸 sly
@dixielight838
I LOVE it always
@lovepeaceandsoulfullrighto9053
Never ever ❤❤❤
@peteringargiola6323
This guy was SO FAR ahead of his time, and - with any and all accolades that he ever received, is STILL so underrated and under-appreciated for his soul-gifts, as well as for those he imparted to us musically...
Just.....wow...
@ash27slick74
Indeed, a true pioneer.
@liecrusher3506
He did it to himself, his group and black people.
Killed all three.
@jongoldey3842
Of all the performances at Woodstock. With all the great performers. Sly was hands down the best act in the whole show