Meaning of "Family Business" by Fish

The lyrics of "Family Business" by Fish delve into the haunting realities of domestic violence and the toxic dynamics within a dysfunctional family unit. The narrator is tormented by the sound of violence behind closed doors, symbolizing the emotional and physical abuse suffered by a family member. The theme of keeping up appearances and maintaining familial silence, known as the family business, is a crucial aspect of the song. This ingrained pattern of denial and secrecy serves as a barrier to seeking help or intervention, creating a cycle of suffering that perpetuates. The lyricist highlights the struggles of the victims, who are silenced by fear and shame, as well as the bystanders who are complicit in enabling the abuse by remaining silent. The children in the song, witnessing the abuse and trauma, are portrayed as suffering in silence, unable to articulate their pain or seek help.

The repetition of the phrase "family business" underscores the idea that abuse within the family is often considered a private matter that should not be exposed to the outside world, leading to a culture of silence and denial. The song sheds light on the complex emotions and conflicting loyalties felt by those caught in the cycle of abuse, emphasizing the need for breaking the silence and seeking support to end the generational trauma of the family business.