The Hollies – He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother

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The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother...

Send "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by pablo

Track duration: 04:20


He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother song meanings
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28 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment:Originally I thought like many this was a song about caring for a disabled or lost brother, but that doesn't make sense looking at the lyrics in context.

    "While we're on our way to there, why not share" "his welfare is my concern."
    - These lines speak of social conscience and selfless love and service to those less fortunate than us. We are all siblings sharing this earth for the brief time we get here.
    Flag Rannugon February 19, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I was with my sister this weekend, and she said to me "I've changed the lyrics to He Ain't Heavy to fit you in, I've changed it to you She Ain't Heavy She's My Sister, because I'll always be there for you when things get tough, and I'll carry you when you need me too, and that's what the song means" So I believe something happened to his brother, and he's been there for him no matter what happens.
    Flag LaaLaaLuceon January 29, 2013   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • +1
    General Comment:I heard this song many times over the years and always thought it was about close friendship or family, until today I heard it in a whole different way while watching a great documentary about the band. First of all, it was released after Graham Nash left the group and he was worried how they would get on without him. Then they brought out this, their first number 1 single.

    I think the song is about the way we treat each other and is offering the idea of 'brotherly love' as an alternative. The brother is you, me, everyone. The key is the third verse . If the whole song is viewed through that lens it works.

    If that's the correct interpretation, what a great song of universal love. It should be an anthem for peace.
    Flag NWNmoonon January 24, 2013   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:Not sure why, but I've always thought that this could be about someone who has a brother with a disability. Maybe I'm taking it too literally, that's how I see it
    Flagged arcticmimibeeon December 19, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i heard this song quite a long time ago. but, when i was invited to a seminar, and the saong became the theme song, i was so impressed. not only the band played so beautiful music and a clarity vocal but also the lyrics changed my point of view about life and people. i have to say this is one of the masterpiece ever created.
    Flag e7slieon May 08, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i heard this song quite a long time ago. but, when i was invited to a seminar, and the saong became the theme song, i was so impressed. not only the band played so beautiful music and a clarity vocal but also the lyrics changed my point of view about life and people. i have to say this is one of the masterpiece ever created.
    Flag e7slieon May 08, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Brilliant song by a brilliant band that spawned one of the first supergroups - Crosby, Stills and Nash.
    Flag Derefon March 06, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Since first time I heard this song (by that country group Osmond Brothers) I think it's about carrying a brother's coffin.
    Flag Rattu123on October 01, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I get goosebumps when I hear this song. I cant imagine anyone not liking it, the music and lyrics are perfect and universal.
    Flag sarrakon March 18, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:this song and "bridge over troubled water" are two of the best songs ever written about friendship. they both perfectly capture what it is to be as selfless as humanly possible towards someone you deeply care for.
    Flag boiledgooseon February 17, 2009   Link

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