He ain't heavy, he's my brother, was composed by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, who was to die shortly after the song's release in 1970 from cancerThe song, recorded by Manchester based super group, the Hollies with Elton John guesting on the piano, enjoyed tremendous commercial success reaching top spot in the UK and seventh place in the US charts.
Alan Clarke who was the Hollies lead vocalist during their peak will never be forgotten and will be remembered for the strength of his vocals on ``He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother''.
The song has been credited with covering several themes from human's rights issues to the camaraderie of soldiers fighting together in war. Or simply describing the trials and tribulations of life.
Whatever the theme, ``He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'' describes a stronger person, either emotionally or physically who uncomplainingly provides support for someone, may be a brother or maybe just a friend or even an acquaintance who is finding it more difficult to make the same journey. The singer's only complaint is that not everyone is prepared to make the same compromises.
The Hollies are an English rock group, formed in Manchester in the early 1960s, though most of the band members are from through out East Lancashire. Known for their distinctive vocal harmony style, they became one of the leading British groups of the era. They enjoyed considerable popularity in many countries, although they did not achieve major US chart success until 1966. Along with The Rolling Stones and The Searchers, they are one of the few British pop groups of the early 1960s that have never officially broken up and that continue to record and perform. The Hollies were inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Lyrics:
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...
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