About the song
## Family Affair: A Sly & The Family Stone Staple
Sly & The Family Stone’s “Family Affair” is a timeless piece of funk that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1969, the song quickly became a cultural touchstone, reflecting the social and political climate of the time while also celebrating the importance of family and community.
The song’s infectious groove, driven by Sly Stone’s energetic vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation, immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The rhythmic interplay between the drums, bass, and guitar creates a powerful foundation for the song, while the horns add a layer of brassy exuberance.
One of the most striking aspects of “Family Affair” is its lyrical content. The song explores themes of family, unity, and social justice, urging listeners to come together and overcome their differences. Sly Stone’s lyrics are both insightful and provocative, as he addresses issues such as racial inequality, poverty, and the importance of family bonds.
The song’s chorus, with its catchy refrain of “Family affair, get together, everybody,” is a powerful statement of unity and togetherness. The lyrics emphasize the importance of family as a source of support and strength, and they encourage listeners to embrace their loved ones and build stronger relationships.
“Family Affair” is a song that transcends its time period and continues to resonate with audiences today. Its infectious groove, insightful lyrics, and powerful message of unity make it a timeless classic that has earned its place in the annals of music history.
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Lyrics
It’s a family affair, it’s a family affair
It’s a family affair, it’s a family affair
One child grows up to be
Somebody that just loves to learn
Another child grows up to be
Somebody you’d just love to burn
Mom loves the both of them
You see, it’s in the blood (blood, blood)
Both kids are good to Mom
Blood’s thicker than the mud
It’s a family affair (it’s a family affair)
It’s a family affair (it’s a family affair)
Blood out there, blood out there
(Ain’t nothing but a family)
(Nothing but a family affair)
Ain’t nothing but a family
Nothing but a family affair
Newlywed a year ago
You’re still checking each other out
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wanna be left out
You can’t leave ’cause your heart is there
And you, 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)
It’s a family affair (it’s a family affair) oh
Yeah, a family affair (it’s a family affair) oh, yeah, oh, yeah
It’s a family affair (oh)
It’s a family affair, it’s a family affair
It’s a family affair (it’s a family affair)
It’s a family affair (yeah)
Oh, yeah