Sister Sledge is a vocal group formed in Philadelphia in 1971, originally comprising four sisters: Debbie, Joni, Kim, and Kathy Sledge. Known for their soulful harmonies and liberating disco anthems, they rose to international fame in the late 1970s.

The group was produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, and their 1979 album We Are Family became a disco-era classic, featuring hits like He’s the Greatest Dancer and Lost in Music.

Their style combines R&B, disco, funk, and soul, with themes of self-determination, joy, and family pride.

About the Song

We Are Family is a joyful anthem of unity and empowerment, celebrating the strength of sisterhood and togetherness. With its infectious groove and timeless message, this song became Sister Sledge’s signature hit and a global disco classic.

Read Full Lyrics of We Are Family

Chorus

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

Verse 1

Everyone can see we’re together
As we walk on by
(And) And we flock just like birds of a feather
I won’t tell no lie
(All) All of the people around us, they say
“Can they be that close?”
Just let me state for the record
We’re giving love in a family dose

Chorus

We are family (Hey, hey, hey, hey, yeah)
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

Verse 2

Living 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) No, 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

Chorus

We are family (Hey, hey, sing it to me)
I got all my sisters with me (Yeah, yeah, sing it with me)
We are family (Oh, I can hear you now)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Ooh-ooh)
We are family (Hey, hey)
I got all my sisters with me (Oh, yeah, yeah)
We are family (Get up, get up now)
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)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey, y’all, hey, hey, hey, y’all)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Yeah, get up and sing to me)
We are family (Uh)
I got all my sisters with me (Hey, we’re having fun)
We are family (Love has just begun for me)
Get up, everybody, and sing

Interlude

Get up, get up, get up and sing it with me
Oh, I can hear you now
Ooh, everything, you and the things you do
Hey, hey, hey, oh, hey, hey, hey
Get up, get up now
Oh, hey, hey, woo
I got my sisters with me
Everybody, hey, hey, hey
Now, hey, hey, hey, now
Hey, hey, hey, now
Get up, get up and sing it to me
Oh, yeah, we’re having fun
Love, love has just begun for me
Me, me and my family
Hey, hey, hey, uh-huh-huh
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
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
Oh, oh, oh, hey, hey, hey
Get up, come on, y’all

Chorus

We are family (Yeah, sing it to me)
I got all my sisters with me (Sing it to me, come on and sing it to me)
We are family (Yeah, hey, hey, hey)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Uh, get up, get up and sing it to me, y’all)
We are family (We’re having lots of fun now)
I got all my sisters with me (Get up and sing it, sing it to me)
We are family (Hey, yeah, hey, hey)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Hey, hey)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey, hey, yeah)
I got all my sisters with me (Uh-huh, sing it now)
We are family (We’re family)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Family)
We are family (Na-na-na, oh)
I got all my sisters with me (Hey, hey, hey, hey)
We are family (I got my sisters with me)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Get up, get up, get up and sing)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey, hey)
I got all my sisters with me (Yeah, yeah, ooh-ooh)
We are family (Hey, hey, hey)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Yeah)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me (My sisters with me, y’all)
We are family (Sing it to ya, sing it to ya, yeah)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
We are family (Hey, hey, oh)
I got all my sisters with me (Oh, oh, oh, oh)
We are family (Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Get up and sing)
We are family (Get up, get up and sing, y’all)
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up, everybody, and sing (Come on, sing it with me)
We are family (Yeah, come on, now)
I got all my sisters with me (Hey, sing it to me)
We are family (Play your funky bass, boy)
Get up, everybody, and sing (Sing)

Outro

We are family (Everybody)
I got all my sisters with me (Sing it to me, sing it to me, baby)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me (Sing)

Similar Songs Like We Are Family

If you are into loving emotional songs, here’s a list of similar song recommendations that you might love to try:

• He’s the Greatest Dancer: It’s a funky, feel-good track that celebrates a stylish, confident man on the dance floor. It’s packed with groovy basslines and signature disco energy.
• Lost in Music: This soulful tune expresses the joy and escapism of getting swept away by music. It’s both dreamy and powerful, with rich harmonies and a hypnotic rhythm.
• Thinking of You: It is a smooth, romantic groove with heartfelt lyrics about longing and love. Its mellow melody makes it a fan favorite beyond the dancefloor.

Similar Artists Like Sister Sledge

Below is a list of similar pop-indie artists like Sister Sledge that you might love to go through:

• Chic
  Genre: Disco, Funk, R&B
  Top Albums: C’est Chic, Risqué, Chic
• The Pointer Sisters
  Genre: R&B, Funk, Soul, Pop
  Top Albums: Break Out, Energy, So Excited!
• Diana Ross
  Genre: Soul, Disco, Pop, R&B
  Top Albums: Diana, The Boss, Baby It’s Me

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired the Lyrics of We Are Family?

The lyrics were based on a description of Sister Sledge provided by Atlantic Records president Jerry L. Greenberg, emphasizing that the group consists of four sisters, which is reflected in the theme of family and unity.

How did We Are Family Perform on the Charts?

The song reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. It also topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

Is We Are Family Considered an LGBTQ Anthem?

Yes, it is celebrated as a ‘found family’ anthem in the LGBTQ community.