Family
Todd Agnew Lyrics
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Who's my sister in the village in Malawi?
Who's my lover in Washington DC?
Who's my neighbor, who's my loved one, who's my friend?
We are all family, we are all family
We are all family, we are all family
We are all family
Who's my brother in a different kind of turf?
She's my sister struggling with her work
She's my mother, gave me all at birth
Who's my neighbor, who's my loved one, who's my friend?
We are all family, we are all family
We are all family, we are all family
If we're all under one Father that makes us all brothers
We are all family
Who's my neighbor, who's my loved one, who's my friend?
Who's my neighbor, who's my loved one, who's my friend?
We are all family, we are all family
We are all family, we are all family
You don't have to look like me for us to be brotherly
And you don't have to be like me for us to be family
You don't have to think like me for us to speak intimately
Don't have to agree with me for us to be family
You don't have to live near me for us to be neighborly
You don't have to dress like me for us to be family
You don't have to speak like me to love each other, you see
You don't have to be like me for us to be family, oh no
If we're all under one Father that makes us all brothers
The lyrics of Todd Agnew's song "Family" speak to the idea that despite our differences in circumstance, geography, and appearance, we share a common bond as human beings that connects us as family. The verses pose a series of questions about who is considered family, asking about brothers and sisters in far-flung places like Malawi and Washington D.C. as well as closer to home in Nashville. The chorus affirms that we are all family, regardless of our differences, because we share a universal connection as children of one Father.
The song also suggests that this familial bond requires a certain level of compassion and empathy, as we are called to love and care for those who may not look, think, or live like us. The repeated refrain of "who's my neighbor, who's my loved one, who's my friend?" reinforces this idea that our relationships with others are what define us as part of a larger family unit. Ultimately, the song celebrates the diversity of the human family and encourages listeners to embrace the idea that we are all connected.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's my brother in Nashville, Tennessee?
Who is my brother in Nashville, Tennessee despite our differences and distance?
Who's my sister in the village in Malawi?
Who is my sister in the village of Malawi, despite the geographic separation?
Who's my lover in Washington DC?
Who is my lover in Washington DC despite our political and cultural differences?
Who's my neighbor, who's my loved one, who's my friend?
Who are the people around me that I care for and love, regardless of their background or identity?
We are all family, we are all family
We are all connected and united as one family despite our differences.
If we're all under one Father that makes us all brothers
Being under the protection of a shared father makes us all brothers and sisters, and reinforces our familial bonds.
Who's my brother in a different kind of turf?
Who is my brother despite us being in different environments and lifestyles?
She's my sister struggling with her work
She is my sister despite her struggles and challenges with her work.
She's my mother, gave me all at birth
She is my mother who gave birth to me and provided for me, despite our differences and experiences.
You don't have to look like me for us to be brotherly
Physical appearance does not define our brotherhood and familial connection.
And you don't have to be like me for us to be family
Differences in personality and lifestyle do not affect our familial bond and love for each other.
You don't have to think like me for us to speak intimately
Our mental and intellectual differences do not stop us from having intimate conversations.
Don't have to agree with me for us to be family
Agreement on opinions and beliefs does not affect our familial bond.
You don't have to live near me for us to be neighborly
Physical distance does not affect our ability to be compassionate and helpful neighbors to each other.
You don't have to dress like me for us to be family
Differences in clothing and fashion do not decrease our familial bond.
You don't have to speak like me to love each other, you see
Pronunciation and communication differences are not an obstacle in us loving each other.
You don't have to be like me for us to be family, oh no
Our differences, traits, and qualities do not affect our familial bond.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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