Krikorian is a singer/songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by Charlie Sexton, Bette Midler, Peter Case, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Vanessa Williams, Bonnie Raitt and others. He is most commonly regarded as a Christian artist, and has released several albums of Christian songs starting with Romeo Unchained (1986); prior to that, he was decidedly a secular artist.
Krikorian and Alan Shapazian (rhythm guitar) formed a band called The Raik's Progress which recorded one single for Liberty Records, released in 1967. In 1973, he appeared as a member of the former Buddy Holly backing band the Crickets on their album "Remnants".
By 1978, Krikorian went solo, adopting the name of Tonio K, possibly a reference to the Thomas Mann novel Tonio Kröger, with Life In The Foodchain.
Krikorian is featured as lead vocalist on the song "Don't Fade Away." from the Crickets & Their Buddies album, released in the summer of 2004.
One Big Family
Tonio K. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don′t you see the similarities between us?
Take a minute and see yourself in the mirror
You look like me: those eyes, lips - you can't deny
Have you thought about
Why we look the same?
Why we feel the same?
Oh, you're my brother
You′re my sister
We′re one big family
Oh, you're my brother
You′re my sister
Just one big family
It doesn't matter if you live far away from me
You feel I feel, you bleed I bleed, you cry and I cry
We sleep and dream
Sometimes we′re sad, sometimes we're happy
You breathe I breathe
We love, walk, talk and we smile
Have you thought about
Why we look the same?
Why we feel the same?
Don′t tell me it's by chance
Oh, you're my brother
You′re my sister
We′re one big family
Oh, you're my brother
You′re my sister
Just one big family
I care about you
And I wish you could realise
There's no difference between us two
We′re part of one family
No matter how far you are
And even if we don't know each other
Oh, you and me, me and you, we are one
Oh, you′re my brother
You're my sister
We're one big family
Oh, you′re my brother
You′re my sister
Just one big family
The lyrics of Tonio K.'s song "One Big Family" convey a powerful message of unity and connectivity among all people. The song suggests that despite our differences and conflicts, we are fundamentally the same at our core. Tonio K. addresses the listener directly, urging them to recognize the similarities between themselves and others.
The opening lines express confusion and frustration about why we, as individuals, fight against each other when there are undeniable similarities to be found. Tonio K. encourages self-reflection by asking the listener to take a moment and look in the mirror, prompting them to acknowledge their shared physical features. The repetition of the lines "Why we look the same? Why we feel the same?" emphasizes the idea that our commonality goes beyond mere chance. Instead, it suggests a deeper connection that transcends superficial differences.
The chorus reinforces the theme of unity and togetherness, proclaiming that we are all part of one big family. Despite geographical distances, the song highlights the shared experiences and emotions we all go through. The verses further emphasize this point, stating that we all bleed, cry, dream, experience joy and sadness, and ultimately, share the same essential human qualities.
Tonio K. closes the song with a heartfelt plea for understanding and recognition of our collective identity. He underscores the idea that there is no real difference between us, regardless of how far apart we may be or whether we personally know each other. The song's final line, "Oh, you and me, me and you, we are one," serves as a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected and part of the same human family.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder why you and me fight each other
I'm curious as to why we engage in conflict with one another
Don′t you see the similarities between us?
Can't you recognize the commonalities we share?
Take a minute and see yourself in the mirror
Pause and reflect on your own reflection
You look like me: those eyes, lips - you can't deny
You bear a striking resemblance to me, it's undeniable
Have you thought about
Why we look the same?
Have you ever contemplated why our physical appearances are so similar?
Why we feel the same?
Why do our emotions align in such a way?
Don′t tell me it's by chance
Refrain from attributing it solely to randomness
Oh, you're my brother
You are not just an acquaintance, but a sibling to me
You′re my sister
You are not just an acquaintance, but a sibling to me
We′re one big family
We are united as a single, cohesive unit
It doesn't matter if you live far away from me
The distance between us holds no significance
You feel I feel, you bleed I bleed, you cry and I cry
Our shared experiences evoke the same emotions
We sleep and dream
Both of us indulge in sleep and the realm of dreams
Sometimes we′re sad, sometimes we're happy
Occasionally, we encounter sadness, while other times we experience happiness
You breathe I breathe
The inhalation and exhalation of breath is a commonality between us
We love, walk, talk and we smile
We share the capacity for love, the ability to stroll, engage in conversation, and display joy through smiles
I care about you
You hold significance to me, and I possess concern for your well-being
And I wish you could realise
I desire for you to come to the realization
There's no difference between us two
There is no distinction or disparity separating us
We′re part of one family
We constitute a singular family entity
No matter how far you are
Regardless of the physical distance that separates us
And even if we don't know each other
Even in the absence of personal acquaintance
Oh, you and me, me and you, we are one
You and I, inextricably linked, are unified as a singular entity
Writer(s): Tonio K.
Contributed by Carson V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.