Family Affair
Sylvester Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 of Sly and the Family Stone's "Family Affair" explore the complexities of family dynamics, and how every member of a family is unique and special in their own way. The song starts by emphasizing that a family is not just about blood relations, but it's also about the unique blend of personalities that make up a family. Sly Stone sings, "It's a family affair, it's a family affair", indicating that he is addressing the various members of a family, and reminding them that no matter what's going on in their lives, they will always be a family.
The second stanza delves into the different paths that children in a family may take as they grow up. Sly sings, "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". Here, Sly acknowledges that every child is unique and may have their own faults and imperfections. Still, both children are loved by their mother because it's in their blood - they are family. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing that no matter what happens, it's a family affair.
The third stanza of the song shifts its focus to a newlywed couple. Sly acknowledges that they are still in the "checking each other out" phase and that nobody wants to blow it or be left out. Still, they both have invested a lot in their relationship, and their hearts are in it. However, they find themselves at a crossroads, unable to leave or stay due to the dilemma of having been somewhere else even though they still love their family. Sly concludes the song by repeating, "It's a family affair", reminding us that, despite differences and setbacks, families come together out of a deep-seated, unbreakable bond.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a family affair, it's a family affair
This family is closely intertwined and everything that happens affects everyone else.
One child grows up to be
Each member of this family has their own destiny.
Somebody that just loves to learn
One of the members of this family loves to learn and keep growing intellectually.
And another child grows up to be
Not everyone turns out good, some may have negative traits.
Somebody you'd just love to burn
This person is so frustrating to deal with that it feels like they need to be put in their place.
Mom loves the both of them
The mother of this family cares for her children no matter who they are or what they do.
You see it's in the blood
The reason why the mother loves both children is that they have the same blood.
Both kids are good to Mom
Despite their differences, both kids are careful not to offend their mother.
"Blood's thicker than mud"
This family is loyal to each other and stands united against any external threat.
Newlywed a year ago
One of the family members got married a year ago and started a new life with their spouse.
But you're still checking each other out
Despite being married, the couple is still getting accustomed to each other's quirks, habits, and expectations.
Nobody wants to blow
The husband and wife are careful not to ruin their relationship by getting into fights or disagreements.
Nobody wants to be left out
Both the husband and wife want to feel included and appreciated in this family affair.
You can't leave, 'cause your heart is there
The husband or wife cannot just walk away from their family and spouse because they love them too much.
But you can't stay, 'cause you been somewhere else!
The spouse has other commitments or activities that keep them away from home or their partner, causing strain in the relationship.
You can't cry, 'cause you'll look broke down
The husband or wife feels like they have to keep a strong exterior and not show weakness or vulnerability, even when they're hurting inside.
But you're cryin' anyway 'cause you're all broke down!
The pain and sadness of this family affair are too much to handle, and the spouse can't help but break down and cry.
It's a family affair
Despite all the drama and difficulties, this is still a family affair and the members care for each other more than anything else.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anthonyosburn3786
I'm glad that sly stone finally got his money from his royalties back in 2016 after being homeless for years and was living in a old van in los angeles on skidrow. 7 million dollars and back pay. People didn't even realize who he was.
@stevencormier8741
I never knew that. Im surprised he didnt go back to DJ ing
@lambchop6278
...#@*!
@larrydominguez8589
Amen brother
@klapsker714
True story
@kristydaniels9264
WOW! I didn't know that..
@tamiwerner3311
This is my era of music! I was so damn lucky to be alive thru all this beautiful music and bands! 💜 The 60's 70's were the BEST!
@74bshs
You know it! I am of the same era.
@sherrylyn4457
Yes, yes!!!
@hansleberwurst5009
I agree,Mike from Cologne, Germany 👍