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Sly & the Family Stone — Family Affair
Album: There's a Riot Goin' On
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1699









Released: 1971
Length: 2:59
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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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
And 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
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)
Over there, over there

Newlywed a year ago
But you're still checking each other out, hey
Nobody wants to blow
Nobody wants to be left out, uh-huh

You can't leave 'cause your heart is there
But, sure, 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, hey, a family affair
(It's a family affair)
Ow
(It's a family affair)

(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)
Well
Do-do-do-do
Hey-hey-hey
(It's a family affair)
(It's a family affair)
Comments (93)add comment
jeez….after all these years…it’s still an annoyingly awful tune. 🤮 
Posted 1 day ago by Roguewarer    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:

My new best buddies Roderick G and Stephen B and I in the stairwell, taking extra time on the way down to P.E. Class, 2nd Grade, and the nuns are scolding us because my new mates are showing me the MJ moves and I am grooving... This will not do, laddies! This will not!



But you flew your freak flag and I bet you've never regretted it our friend!
Posted 4 weeks ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Getting into the groove with this one.
Posted 1 month ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
RIP Sly.   
Posted 3 months ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
 boltech wrote:

I hate it when this track comes. Not because I don’t like the track… or the band. Just that the recording is terrible, and the bass (as others have mentioned) sounds like my speaker cones are damaged, and having to replace those fill me with dread. I will rate this track low because of that.



Posted 5 months ago by below72    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:



Great bass playing, but the sound IS distorted. Kind of a shame for an otherwise GREAT TUNE.  

The bass was recorded with that distorted sound on purpose. LARRY GRAHAM has always been an inventive bassist. And in those early days of slap, distortion was innovation. Bootsy Collins was doing it too. These guys were ahead of the curve - larry was/is the funk master. 
So get over it. The song was a hit because of that bass sound.

Posted 5 months ago by below72    [ Reply ]
"Still checking each out" is one of my favorite lines from any song of that era.
Posted 9 months ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
I hate it when this track comes. Not because I don’t like the track… or the band. Just that the recording is terrible, and the bass (as others have mentioned) sounds like my speaker cones are damaged, and having to replace those fill me with dread. I will rate this track low because of that.
Posted 1 year ago by boltech    [ Reply ]
I say less Graceland, more Family Affair. More groove. 
Posted 1 year ago by virwill7    [ Reply ]
My new best buddies Roderick G and Stephen B and I in the stairwell, taking extra time on the way down to P.E. Class, 2nd Grade, and the nuns are scolding us because my new mates are showing me the MJ moves and I am grooving... This will not do, laddies! This will not!
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 gutwill wrote:

Whilst the song in itself is quite likeable, the bass sounds as if played back through a speaker with a destroyed membrane. Been checking my speakers TWICE because I just couldn't believe that this kind of distorsion was actually part of the song. Sorry, it's hard to bear – in my ears.




Great bass playing, but the sound IS distorted. Kind of a shame for an otherwise GREAT TUNE.  
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Whilst the song in itself is quite likeable, the bass sounds as if played back through a speaker with a destroyed membrane. Been checking my speakers TWICE because I just couldn't believe that this kind of distorsion was actually part of the song. Sorry, it's hard to bear – in my ears.
Posted 2 years ago by gutwill    [ Reply ]
Came here by PSDing yet another damned Bob Marley song. Much better.
Posted 2 years ago by murrayn    [ Reply ]
 idiot_wind wrote:

way, way before snoop dogg,  these guys had it down




Big Time!!   
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
way, way before snoop dogg,  these guys had it down
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Sly was the shit when I was an inner city kid growing up in the sixties.
Posted 4 years ago by danoodles    [ Reply ]
 lizardking wrote:

LOL!!!  I've had a similar situation w/ my missus....in fact you know you've got THE ONE when something "odd" pops up (on the playlist that is....) and the activity continues despite the [insert funny occurrence here] - well dang if i'm not gonna try and find the youtube playlist you mention and see if we can beat your 20 seconds...until then...Long Live RP!!
 And did these affairs result in family? We need to know...

Posted 4 years ago by kbs    [ Reply ]
As many 100s of times as I've heard this, I've never listened to it on headphones. What great production - it's restrained and I like the separation. So much packed into so little. 
Posted 5 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
Smooth cool, from the once-upon-a-time main source of FM funk.

Yeah, baby: smooth, cool, funky, and super-groovy!
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 MattRudely wrote:
I didn't know there was a SATFS song with a yodelling break in the middle, until me and the missus were "doing" "it" one time to a YouTube playlist. We managed to keep going for maybe 20 seconds....
 
LOL!!!  I've had a similar situation w/ my missus....in fact you know you've got THE ONE when something "odd" pops up (on the playlist that is....) and the activity continues despite the [insert funny occurrence here] - well dang if i'm not gonna try and find the youtube playlist you mention and see if we can beat your 20 seconds...until then...Long Live RP!!
Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
This song is still grooving!
Posted 6 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
I didn't know there was a SATFS song with a yodelling break in the middle, until me and the missus were "doing" "it" one time to a YouTube playlist. We managed to keep going for maybe 20 seconds....
Posted 6 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
one of my favs ... never gets old
Posted 6 years ago by pontfarrer    [ Reply ]
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
And 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
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

Songwriters: Sylvester Stewart
Posted 6 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
The flyover text for the Wiki picture is ... rather odd.
Posted 7 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
A 6.5 really???  Oh wait someone else already said that.  CLASSIC STUFF!
Posted 7 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
A solid 10 is a little cooler. There's a Riot Goin' On!
"Just Like A Baby" is another great tune from that album.
Can't believe this only gets a 6.5; come on, people!
Posted 18 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
OH YEA!
Posted 18 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
kazuma wrote:
WTF?
Posted 18 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
I didn't think this genre was on the RP playlist. F'N SA-WEET!
Posted 18 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
Happy Happy Sunshine song
Posted 18 years ago by popularmechanics    [ Reply ]
On_The_Beach wrote:
Music doesn't get much cooler than this. Sly at his best. A solid 9.
A solid 10 is a little cooler. There's a Riot Goin' On!
Posted 18 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
Music doesn't get much cooler than this. Sly at his best. A solid 9.
Posted 18 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Nice song, but it finished too fast :(
Posted 18 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Gettin' my groove on this Sunday morning. Thanks, RP.
Posted 19 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
One of my absolute all-time favorite songs - thanks, Bill!
Posted 19 years ago by liser    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by Little_Wing    [ Reply ]
Too funky for my Bad Self.
Posted 19 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
snapdragon wrote:
the best
The best . . . something . . . I suppose. . . .
Posted 19 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
algrif wrote:
Bill. Did you really just say 'a blast from the past' just then??
He does that every once in a while.
Posted 19 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
the best
Posted 19 years ago by snapdragon    [ Reply ]
GREAT Sly song in the new movie Take the Lead...Que Sera Sera. Great movie, by the way. Stunning music throughout.
Posted 19 years ago by vinomori    [ Reply ]
Saw them live at school, Kent State U!, before they decided they didn't have to show up for their shows. They rocked the house!
Posted 19 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Bill. Did you really just say 'a blast from the past' just then??
Posted 19 years ago by algrif    [ Reply ]
Lately I have been wanting for RP to play some Sly. THANKS! Love 'em!!
Posted 19 years ago by ruthless    [ Reply ]
Still checkin' each other out!
Posted 19 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
Such a cool, sexy sound compared to the music I've been hearing on pop and alternative radio, lately.
Posted 19 years ago by Carly    [ Reply ]
any and all Sly is good with me
Posted 19 years ago by tammaye    [ Reply ]
kazuma wrote:
And I thought I was the only one. "Unkle Beel! Unkle Beel!"
me three
Posted 19 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
good times. this is such a fun little song.
Posted 19 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
saaz wrote:
I was a kid when this song came out. I thought they were singing about the tv show.
And I thought I was the only one. "Unkle Beel! Unkle Beel!"
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Not really something I would listen to but it's ok I'm sure there are better stuff you can play....just my humble opioion
Posted 20 years ago by cornbe    [ Reply ]
I can dig it.
Posted 20 years ago by fluorophore    [ Reply ]
trekhead wrote:
Sexy walker! Funky talker! Did anyone mention to him that his note on 'af-fai-UH!' slides into home , but gets struck out? Otherwise cool enough. 7.
too pitchy maybe? shouldn't you be calling in your vote on "american idle?" :? :?
Posted 20 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
I know a lot of people groove to this, but I just don't dig it.
Posted 20 years ago by rob63    [ Reply ]
Sexy walker! Funky talker! Did anyone mention to him that his note on 'af-fai-UH!' slides into home , but gets struck out? Otherwise cool enough. 7.
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Great Song, takes me back.
Posted 20 years ago by andersja    [ Reply ]
Just listening to this makes me feel....i dunno....like I need a shower or something...
Posted 20 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
at this time of the year...well... kinda breaks up all that silver bells stuff
Posted 20 years ago by epicurian    [ Reply ]
what a song. sly had a little ... trouble with smack. i went to see him three times (he sold out madison garden, for example) and he performed once. rolling stone's cover story was an interview in a hotel room where he was too strung out to go on stage. family affair was his come-back song after he cleaned up, or cleaned up enough to record. people then (and now) were split on it. i'm one of those who sees it as an outstanding song performed with true soul. as for youse others, you're entitled to your opinion, even when you're wrong.
Posted 20 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
:-) Love it, love it, love it. :-) Great lyrics, incredible groove, national treasure of a voice.
Posted 20 years ago by guitarwhisperer    [ Reply ]
Can't figure out why this song aggravates so many people on this page. I give it a 9 for the quality of songwriting and its execution. Sly's deep voice is wonderful in this. Very expressive. He was a master. An important inflluence right throught to today.
Posted 21 years ago by MrBoyo    [ Reply ]
The_Wood wrote:
It sucks.
Diff'rent strokes, for diff-er-ent folks, yeah! (to quote another great Sly tune)
Posted 21 years ago by drjimmy    [ Reply ]
Platypus wrote:
gotta love that "greatest hits" album cover - looks like it took someone all of maybe ten minutes to put it together. great tunes, though.
Just remember, that cut and paste used to require scissors or X-acto knives and glue! When this was done, there was no "paste again" option, nor was there PhotoShop. It may have taken 11 minutes or more. :)
Posted 21 years ago by Gregorama    [ Reply ]
artmarcia wrote:
I've never really liked this song--don't quite know why.
It sucks.
Posted 21 years ago by The_Wood    [ Reply ]
I've never really liked this song--don't quite know why.
Posted 21 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
Funkadelic!
Posted 21 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Platypus wrote:
gotta love that "greatest hits" album cover - looks like it took someone all of maybe ten minutes to put it together. great tunes, though.
like the font though.
Posted 21 years ago by Skeletor    [ Reply ]
"...still checkin' each other out...."
Posted 21 years ago by UncleRemus    [ Reply ]
Sly and the family Stone are fantastic. I love this song, and their cover of "Que Sera, Sera". They are both departures from their standard flat-out funky positivity. The groove is still there, but the mellow feeling can be so nice.
Posted 21 years ago by namesbenny    [ Reply ]
gotta love that "greatest hits" album cover - looks like it took someone all of maybe ten minutes to put it together. great tunes, though.
Posted 21 years ago by Platypus    [ Reply ]
toastee wrote:
what a stupid song.
rgj13 wrote:
What a brilliant comment.
Posted 21 years ago by Peyote    [ Reply ]
...i.. i dunno why, but I can't stand this song at all. it's groovy and all, but that guy's singing, and how he bottoms out at "it's a family affair", oooo, get's on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
Posted 21 years ago by entropicalStorm    [ Reply ]
streetsintherain wrote:
the second I heard this intro I got all excited! what a groovy song.
righteous! one of the all time great funky tunes.
Posted 21 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
the second I heard this intro I got all excited! what a groovy song.
Posted 21 years ago by streetsintherain    [ Reply ]
Keep it in the family, Sly.
Posted 21 years ago by Cycletherapy    [ Reply ]
toastee wrote:
what a stupid song.
What a brilliant comment.
Posted 21 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
what a stupid song.
Posted 21 years ago by toastee    [ Reply ]
(pimp) Damn, baby.
Posted 21 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
A very nice morning groove indeed...
Posted 21 years ago by iggy33    [ Reply ]
Brings back memories of hangin out in the back yard and alley with my friends as a young teen. Thanks. This is great.
Posted 22 years ago by Tizmself    [ Reply ]
simply perfect.
Posted 22 years ago by Stella    [ Reply ]
Saw them at the Isle of Wight in \'70. Sly was in full rock star state of excess. Stunning to me the guy is still alive. An incredible group/sound.
Posted 22 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
I looked up funk on Dictionary.com and there was Sly, Sister Rose, et al. A great group and a great sound. Hot fun in the summer time!
Posted 22 years ago by sweet_william    [ Reply ]
this is one of THE coolest songs, a total classic, still sounding good after all these years. sad but true of so many of our dysfunctional familia (pimp) :p
Posted 22 years ago by orpheus    [ Reply ]
Hated it then; not much has changed.
Posted 22 years ago by Mot    [ Reply ]
Waves of nostalgia ... haven\'t heard this in forever, wouldn\'t mind hearing it again in a year or two ...
Posted 22 years ago by giles    [ Reply ]