Family Of Me

Ben Folds' song 'Family Of Me' is a heartfelt exploration of resilience and the comforting power of family. The lyrics open with a self-affirmation, 'How great I am, Gotta tell myself, yeah, I'm the man,' which sets the tone for a journey of self-reassurance. Despite the grim circumstances hinted at in the line 'Looks grim right now,' the singer remains optimistic, believing that 'pretty soon we'll be laughing about it.' This juxtaposition of current struggles with future laughter underscores a theme of hope and perseverance.

The chorus, 'Ooh, and it's alright, Yeah it is, I swear you'll see (it's not really), Yeah it's alright, Cuz I've always got my family of me,' reveals a deeper layer of the song. The parenthetical 'it's not really' suggests a moment of doubt, but the reassurance that follows highlights the importance of family as a source of unwavering support. This duality captures the human experience of fluctuating between doubt and confidence, yet finding solace in the presence of loved ones.

In the second verse, the lyrics 'It's not a first (might be the last), Yeah I'm sure I must have been through worse, but Ooh, it's alright' reflect a recognition of past hardships and the resilience built from them. The phrase 'Got a paddle and a creek' is a metaphor for being in a difficult situation but having the means to navigate through it. The repeated affirmation 'Yeah, it's alright, Because I've always got my family of me' reinforces the central message: no matter the challenges faced, the support of family provides a foundation of strength and hope.