When it's family, you forgive them
For they know not what they do
When it's family, you accept them
'Cause you have no choice but to
When it's family, they're a mirror
Of the worst and best in you
And they always put you to the test
And you always try to do your best
And just pray for God to do the rest
When it's family

Some are preachers, some are gay
Some are addicts, drunks and strays
But not a one is turned away
When it's family
Some are lucky, others ain't
Some are fighters, others faint
Winners, losers, sinners, saints
It's all family

And when it's family, you trust them
And your heart's an open door
When it's family, you tolerate
What you'd kill others for
When it's family, you love and hate
And take then give some more
Somehow you justify mistakes
Try to find some better way
To solve the problems day to day
In the family

You take the trouble as it comes
And love 'em more than anyone
Good or bad or indifferent
It's still family
You choose your lovers
You pick your friends
Not the family that you're in
They'll be with you 'til the end
'Cause it's family

When it's family, you forgive them
For they know not what they do
When it's family, they're a mirror
Of the worst and best in you
When it's family, when it's family
Let me be all that I should be
To the family

Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Writer(s): CARL PERKINS, DOLLY PARTON