Winwood released a new album "Nine Lives" on April 29, 2008, and started a tour with Tom Petty and others in May 2008.
Family Affair
Steve Winwood Lyrics
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One child grows up to be somebody that just loves to learn
And another child grows up to be someone who needs concern
Mother loves both of them, you see it's in the blood
Father loves both of them, blood's thicker than the mud
It's a family affair
Newly-wed a year ago, still checkin' 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 look broke down
But you cry anyway 'cause you're all broke down
It's a family affair
Na na na one family, na na na one love
Steve Winwood's "Family Affair" is a song that explores the complexities of family dynamics. The opening lines of the song discuss how children can grow up and become very different people with different needs, but a mother and father will always love their children unconditionally. The line "blood's thicker than the mud" speaks to the idea that family bonds are stronger than any disagreements or differences that might arise between family members.
The song then shifts to a newlywed couple who are struggling to navigate their relationship. The couple seems to be in a state of limbo, not sure whether they want to be together or apart. The lyrics suggest that they are both staying in the relationship because of their love for each other but also staying because they fear being alone. The repeated phrase "It's a family affair" is a reminder that even in the midst of all of these complicated emotions, family connections remain important.
The song underscores the idea that family is not always easy, and there can be real challenges in maintaining strong relationships. However, despite the difficulties, family ties remain powerful and enduring.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a family affair
The song is about a family and how their relationships are akin to a complicated affair.
One child grows up to be somebody that just loves to learn
One child in the family has grown up to be curious and has a passion for learning new things.
And another child grows up to be someone who needs concern
Another child has grown up to be someone who needs attention and care from others around them.
Mother loves both of them, you see it's in the blood
The love that the mother has for both her children comes naturally to her since she's bound to them by blood.
Father loves both of them, blood's thicker than the mud
The father's love for his children is stronger than anything, even if they have disagreements.
Newly-wed a year ago, still checkin' each other out
The newly-wed husband and wife are still getting to know each other despite being married for a year.
Nobody wants to blow, nobody wants to be left out
Neither the husband nor the wife wants to upset or exclude the other.
You can't leave 'cause your heart is there
Even though there may be issues in their relationship, they can't bring themselves to leave each other because their hearts are still invested in the relationship.
But you can't stay 'cause you've been somewhere else
Although they want to stay together, the fact that they have been with other people makes it difficult for them to reconcile their relationship.
You can't cry 'cause you look broke down
Despite feeling upset, they don't want to show it because they don't want to appear weak or sad and possibly hurt the other's feelings.
But you cry anyway 'cause you're all broke down
Despite their best intentions to avoid showing their pain, their emotions get the best of them and they break down anyway.
Na na na one family, na na na one love
In the end, the message of the song is that despite the complications of relationships and family, there is still love that binds them together.
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sylvester Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind