“We Are Family” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an anthem of unity, joy, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Made famous by Sister Sledge in 1979, this disco classic continues to resonate across generations, embodying the spirit of togetherness. Let’s dive into the lyrics and explore why this song remains so beloved.
The Story Behind the Anthem
Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic, “We Are Family” was initially intended for Chic, but was then given to Sister Sledge to boost their career. It became their signature song and catapulted them to international fame. Released as part of the album of the same name, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a defining track of the disco era and beyond. Its upbeat tempo and positive message made it an instant classic, played at weddings, family gatherings, and celebrations worldwide. The song’s message of togetherness and mutual support is timeless, striking a chord with listeners from all walks of life.
We Are Family: The Complete Lyrics
Here are the full lyrics to “We Are Family” so you can sing along and feel the family spirit:
We are family I got all my sisters with me
We are family Get up everybody and sing
We are family I got all my sisters with me
We are family Get up everybody and sing
Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
And we flock just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
All of the people around us they say
"Can they be that close?"
Just let me state for the record
We're givin' love in a family dose
We are family (Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, y'all)
I got all my sisters with me (Uh-huh, uh-huh)
We are family
Get up everybody and sing (Sing it to me)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing
Livin' life is fun and we've just begun
To get our share of this world's delights (High)
High hopes we have for the future
And our goal's in sight
We don't get depressed
Here's what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won't go wrong, oh, no
This is our family jewel
We are family (Hey, hey, sing it to me)
I got all my sisters with me (Get up, get up, get up and sing it to me)
We are family (Oh, I can hear ya, ya'll)
Get up everybody and sing (Ooh)
We are family (Have faith in you and the things you do, hey, hey, ey)
I got all my sisters with me (Oh, hey, hey, hey)
We are family (Get up, get up, y'all)
Get up everybody and sing (Oh, hey, hey, hey)
We are family (I got my sisters with me)
I got all my sisters with me (Everybody hey, hey, hey, uh)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey, y'all, hey, hey, hey, huh)
Get up everybody and sing (Get up, get up and sing it to me)
We are family (Ah)
I got all my (Hey) sisters with me (We're havin' fun)
We are family (Life, life has just begun for me)
Get up everybody and sing (Me)
{Yeah, yeah, yeah}
Get up, get up, get up and sing it to me
Oh, I can hear ya, y'all
Ooh
Have faith in you and the things you do
Hey, hey, ey
Oh, hey, hey, hey
Get up, get up, y'all
Huh
Oh, hey, hey, hey
I got my sisters with me
Everybody, hey, hey, hey, uh
Hey, hey, hey, y'all, hey, hey, hey, huh
Get up, get up and sing it to me
Aw, yeah
We're havin' fun
Life, life has just begun for me
Me, me and my family
Hey, hey, hey
Uh-huh-huh
Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh
Uh-huh-huh
Yeah, get up, get up and sing it, sing it
Sing it, sing it, sing it to me
Yeah, we flock together like birds of a feather
Ey, ey
Hey, hey, hey
Aw, huh
Hey, hey, hey
Get up
Come on, Joni, ha-ha-ha
We are family (Yeah, sing it to me)
I got all my sisters with me (Sing it, Kimmie, come on and sing it to me)
We are family (Yeah, hey, hey, hey)
Get up everybody and sing (Aw, get up, get up and sing it to me, y'all)
We are family (We're havin' lots of fun now)
I got all my sisters with me (Get up and sing it, sing it to me)
We are family (Hey, ey, hey, hey)
Get up everybody and sing (Oh...ho...ho...ho...)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me (Oh...ho...no, no)
We are family (Oh, we're family, yeah)
Get up everybody and sing (We're family)
We are family (Now, now, now, no, oh)
I got all my sisters with me (Ey, hey, yeah, yeah)
We are family (I got my sisters with me)
Get up everybody and sing (Get up, get up and sing)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
I got all my sisters with me (Hey, hey, hey)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey)
Get up everybody and sing (Huh)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me (I got my sisters with me, y'all)
We are family (I wanna sing it to you, sing it to you, sing it to you, you)
Get up everybody and sing (Yeah, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
We are family (Oh, oh, oh, oh, aw)
I got all my sisters with me (Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo)
We are family (Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo)
Get up everybody and sing (Get up and sing)
We are family (Get up, get up, get up and sing, y'all)
I got all my sisters with me (Come on, Niles)
We are family
Get up everybody and sing (I got my sisters with me)
We are family (Yeah, come on, Bernard)
I got all my sisters with me (Ey, sing it to me)
We are family (Play your funky bass, boy)
Get up everybody and sing (Ooh)
We are family (Come on, everybody)
I got all my sisters with me (Sing it to me, sing it, sing it, sing it)
We are family
I got all my sisters with meWhy “We Are Family” Still Resonates Today
The enduring appeal of “We Are Family” lies in its universal message of love, support, and belonging. While initially celebrating sisterhood, the song’s themes extend to family in all its forms, and even to broader communities. The lyrics speak to the strength found in unity, the joy of shared experiences (“Livin’ life is fun”), and the importance of mutual encouragement (“Have faith in you and the things you do”).
Beyond its lyrical content, the song’s infectious energy and disco beat make it impossible not to feel uplifted. It’s a feel-good anthem that transcends genre and time, reminding us of the importance of connection and the power of standing together. Whether you interpret “sisters” literally or figuratively, “We Are Family” is a powerful reminder of the bonds that tie us together and the strength we draw from those connections. It’s a song that continues to fill dance floors and hearts with its message of unity and unwavering family spirit.
