The idea was born when the Anglo-American singers of the Spanish groups, Los Flaps and Diamond Boys, Albert Hammond and Steve Rowland met for the first time at a concert in Madrid in 1964. In 1966 The Family Dogg was formed in England with the participation of the singers Mike Hazlewood and Christine Holmes (Later known under the name Kristine Sparkle). The debut album, A Way of Life was released in 1969, and the title track scored a number 6 hit in the UK Singles Chart Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, along with Elton John, were guest musicians on this album.
In 1970, the group was renamed "Steve Rowland and The Family Dogg". In April 1970, they had a Number 2 hit in the Netherlands with the song "Sympathy", previously recorded by the group Rare Bird in 1969. In 1972, Steve Rowland released a last Family Dogg album, View from Rowland's Head, with guest musicians Chris Spedding on guitar and Ireen Sheer as singer. This album had two pressings, one in the UK and one in the USA. Between the two there are a total of six cover songs that were written by Rodriguez. Five of them were previously recorded on Rodriguez' album Cold Fact. The sixth, 'Advice To Smokey Robinson', was never recorded by Rodriguez himself.
Way Of Life
The Family Dogg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Trendy worker, factory shirker
Social nurture won't let you down
Chairman bluster, boardroom fluster
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
(La la la la)Tinker, tailor
(La la la la)soldier, sailor
(La la la la)Rich or poor man's wife
(La la la la)Some may wish to change their dish
(La la la la)But it's a way of life
So be thankful for what you're given
And be good to your wife in bed
And look after the art of living
And don't forget you're a long time dead
When you're born it's a great big welcome
When you go it's a sad goodbye
Oh, with the bit in between your future
It's up to you if you laugh or cry
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
It's just a way of life
Just a way of life
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
The Family Dogg's "Way of Life" is a song that showcases the different experiences and concerns of people from different walks of life. The song talks about cowboys playing, young men slaying, and old men praying, which represents different generations and their attitudes towards life. It also mentions schoolgirls dating and daughters mating, which reflects youth's excitement and the passage of time. Meanwhile, mothers are waiting and are ready to rearrange their lives, perhaps indicating that they are done raising families and are now free to fulfill their own desires.
The lyrics also notably touch on the topic of social classes. The song mentions the trendy worker and the factory shirker, which implies that social standards may not necessarily be related to one's occupation. The Chairman bluster, boardroom fluster and the feather duster, vintage crown reference a wealthy businessman, and the power that comes with that, at the opposite end - those who scrub the floors. In between these two perspectives, Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, and rich or poor man's wife illustrate the different roles and expectations of people. The song presents a sense of acceptance and encourages individuals to be content with their lives, emphasizing that the way of life is not just a means of livelihood but a way of being. The song concludes with a reminder to appreciate what you have and to live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Men of different ages participating in different activities, each according to their preference and personality.
Old men praying, the world will change
Older members of society hoping for global improvement and progress through faith and prayer.
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Young females approaching romantic relationships and sexual maturity, and eventually having their own offspring.
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Mothers eagerly anticipating their children's future and well-being, and guiding them to have a successful life.
Trendy worker, factory shirker
Workers who value fashion and style, and workers who try to avoid their duties and responsibilities.
Social nurture won't let you down
Building good relationships with people and maintaining them will always be beneficial to one's life.
Chairman bluster, boardroom fluster
Corporate executives trying to control their employees and situations in the workplace.
Feather duster, your vintage crown
Taking care of your cherished and valuable possessions, no matter how old or soft they may be.
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
People from different occupations and social classes, each with their own role and importance.
Rich or poor man's wife
Women from different social and economic backgrounds, but all are spouses of men and having their own lifestyle.
Some may wish to change their dish
People may have desires to transform their way of living and try something new and different.
But it's a way of life
But ultimately, everyone has their own unique approach to life and should appreciate it, no matter what.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROGER FREDERICK COOK, ROGER JOHN REGINALD GREENAWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chaswilson5145
@Theo Bolt What you on about fool?
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Trendy worker, factory shirker
Social nurture won't let you down
Chairman bluster, boardroom fluster
Feather duster, your vintage crown
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
Tinker, tailor
(La la la la)soldier, sailor
(La la la la)Rich or poor man's wife
(La la la la)Some may wish to change their dish
(La la la la)But it's a way of life
So be thankful for what you're given
And be good to your wife in bed
And look after the art of living
And don't forget you're a long time dead
When you're born it's a great big welcome
When you go it's a sad goodbye
Oh, with the bit in between your future
It's up to you if you laugh or cry
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
It's just a way of life
Just a way of life
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
@tonyapthorpe1751
This a a very beautiful song and it carries a lot of morals. The blonde haired lady was my beautiful friend Sherri Lynn, a beautiful, kind, caring woman who has now become an Angel.
@joeskinner9735
The blonde is Christine Holmes and at one time she was also on Crackerjack
@tonybeards9153
@Joe Skinner you are right, just googled her and it’s definitely Christine👍
@theobolt250
This is not a beautiful song, this is an evil song! The message is that everything should stay as it is! It's capitalistic influencing in a very subtle but effective way. Oh, the melody and the singing? Yeah, that's okay, but the message? Rotten to the core! It still eludes me how they got away with it.
@tonyapthorpe1751
@Theo Bolt Keep your opinions to yourself. As I said Sherri was a good friend and Steve Rowland to. Don't go insulting musicians and composers who make this their life work to provide enjoyment for others.
@chaswilson5145
@Theo Bolt What you on about fool?
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Trendy worker, factory shirker
Social nurture won't let you down
Chairman bluster, boardroom fluster
Feather duster, your vintage crown
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
Tinker, tailor
(La la la la)soldier, sailor
(La la la la)Rich or poor man's wife
(La la la la)Some may wish to change their dish
(La la la la)But it's a way of life
So be thankful for what you're given
And be good to your wife in bed
And look after the art of living
And don't forget you're a long time dead
When you're born it's a great big welcome
When you go it's a sad goodbye
Oh, with the bit in between your future
It's up to you if you laugh or cry
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
It's just a way of life
Just a way of life
Cowboys playing, young men slaying
Old men praying, the world will change
Schoolgirls dating, daughters mating
Mothers waiting to rearrange
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor
Rich or poor man's wife
Some may wish to change their dish
But it's a way of life
@colinmunn4183
Stunning song! Such clever musicians.
@IngridAlcazarOficial
OMG! Mike Hazlewood looked that sweet... But Albert Hammond has been that lovely since then! ❤️ Steve Rowland had a great voice but the girls were that magnificent! Very enjoyable group really, great vibes, cool attitude and immense talent!
@theobolt250
The lead singer is hot! I would go down on him in an instant. Hmm.
@martinmaguire3517
Thank God for the wonderful German Beat Club who kept all these beautiful performances - while the BBC deleted lots, not realising the ''historical and social value'' of pop performances.