The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where, who knows where
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
He ain't heavy, he's my brother


Lyrics submitted by pablo

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Lyrics as written by Bobby Scott Bob Russell

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

36 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +6
    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.
    Rannugon February 19, 2013   Link
  • +5
    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.

    NWNmoonon January 24, 2013   Link
  • +3
    General Comment

    Whereever the title came from,i think that they're referring to the "brother" in a metaphorical sense.Its a song about friendship, about helping a friend in need, and doing it for love of that person rather than obligation i dont think it is neccessarily about a brother. Terrific song

    mike_81on August 27, 2005   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    not knowing squat about the hollies, I'm still fairly sure this great song is about carrying eachother in a more universal sense

    it's a call to everyone to care more for eachother, help eachother and offer our strength to those who lack theirs

    twittyon May 21, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    can't remember exactly but i think this song was inspired by a quote from a soldier (possilbe written on a war memorial) where one man was carrying a wounded comrade, the quote obviously being

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

    bongoon October 27, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    It's a fantastic song.

    dd59714on January 17, 2005   Link
  • +2
    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.

    boiledgooseon February 18, 2009   Link
  • +2
    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.

    sarrakon March 19, 2009   Link
  • +2
    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.

    Rattu123on October 01, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    All nice ideas, they sound good, but sorry to say they are wrong, want proof?

    The title came from the motto for Boys Town, a community formed in 1917 by a Catholic priest named Father Edward Flanagan. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, it was a place where troubled or homeless boys could come for help. In 1941, Father Flanagan was looking at a magazine called The Messenger when he came across a drawing of a boy carrying a younger boy on his back, with the caption, "He ain't heavy Mr., he's my brother." Father Flanagan thought the image and phrase captured the spirit of Boys Town, so he got permission and commissioned a statue of the drawing with the inscription, "He ain't heavy Father, he's my brother." The statue and phrase became the logo for Boys Town.

    Don't beleive me? Well you could go on the net and look it up I promise you'll find this, or you could just trust a 61 year old who happened to be alive when this stuff was going on.

    jdog40on August 09, 2005   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Album art
Plastic Bag
Ed Sheeran
“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it. “I overthink and have trouble sleepin’ / All purpose gone and don’t have a reason / And there’s no doctor to stop this bleedin’ / So I left home and jumped in the deep end,” Ed Sheeran sings in verse one. He continues by adding that this person is feeling the weight of having disappointed his father and doesn’t have any friends to rely on in this difficult moment. In the second verse, Ed sings about the role of grief in his friend’s plight and his dwindling faith in prayer. “Saturday night is givin’ me a reason to rely on the strobe lights / The lifeline of a promise in a shot glass, and I’ll take that / If you’re givin’ out love from a plastic bag,” Ed sings on the chorus, as his friend turns to new vices in hopes of feeling better.