This song is based on a true story from a place called Boystown orphanage in Omaha Nebraska. A priest named Father Flanigan started the place in 1917. In 1918 a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother. Howard had polio and wore heavy braces and it was difficult to go up and down the stairs. The older boys used to carry him up and down the stairs. One day, Father Flannigan asked one of the boys, Reuben Granger if carrying Howard was difficult. Reuben said, "He ain't heavy, Father...he's my brother" In 1943 Father Flanigan was reminded of a photo of Howard Loomis being carried that was in a magazine. The magazine gave Father Flanigan the permission to use the image which is now a statue of Howard being carried by one of the boys and has the quote He ain't heavy he's my brother on it. That's the origin of the phrase. The statue is still there.
As a songwriter, I wish that I had written this song. It is not about brothers, or soldiers, or friends; it is about the whole world, and helping the poor, destitute, homeless, and disenfranchised.
My lovely 80 year old aunt took care of her brother for 7 years before he died. I asked her if she ever heard of this song...she told me yes, in addition to prayer, she thought of it almost every day.
Yes, brothers, I think your reaction to this classic song is correct. I believe it is a message about brotherhood, that we need to embrace our “brothers and sisters” who come from different places, backgrounds and life experiences, not consider them a “burden” or treat them with disrespect or, worse, hatred. It’s a message that is as relevant today as when the song was written. Thank you so much for this reaction.
Written in 1969 by Bobby Scott (music) and Bob Russell (lyrics), when Mr. Russell (1914-1970) was dying of lymphoma. Elton John was the session pianist for the Hollies' recording.
I get chills every time I hear this. Allan Clarke had a magnificent voice. He turns 80 next April. The song's message is one of peace and supporting your fellow human.
I love this song so much. The Hollies are right up there with The Bee Gees in my book. And thank you to one of your followers about the origin of this song. Wow. Makes me cry. Thank you for your reaction! I love your input. Thank you.
The Hollies are still performing and appeared in the city next to my hometown. What I can gather his voice is still incredible. One song that has the tears running down my face.... ALI GREEN. HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART. George get the tissues out. Refreshing to see a guy show his emotions.
Did you know that Graham Nash was a member of the Hollies.They disagreed about the direction their sound was going,and he left,and went to the US. Crosby,Stills,Nash,and Young were to be his destiny.
We are all brothers. Other great music by the Hollies are: All I Need Is The Air That I Breathe, and Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress. Thank you for bringing this back into my listening.
The title of this song originated from a story in a 1884 book, in which a young girl was seen struggling to carry her younger baby brother. Upon being asked if she was struggling, she said "He's not heavy, he's my brother". A story much similar to that has been posted in many books and magazines since, all through the 20th century. The origin of it has been changed so many times, from a soldier picking up a fellow solider, someone helping their disabled brother, I've heard so many different ones. I'm not sure if it was specifically written about soldiers but I think it's an accurate interpretation. Help your fellow man, you may need their help one day. Lift each other up, no matter how heavy they are.
The 1884 book anecdote was about a little Scottish girl who replied "He's no heavy, he's ma brither." The Hollies, being British, would have more likely been aware of that anecdote than the American Father Flanigan story.
I can see in your faces the same emotions I felt listening to this,that I felt when listening to this with my own brother. It's meaningful as it is when feeling the song in it's intended meaning, of looking at all as a brother...but much more so when you have your own brother there.
Yes, you definitely hit the nail on the head! This song was not just about your brothers by blood, but about your brothers on the battlefield. If you never served in the military, watch some war movies from the sixties and seventies. There were a lot of great war movies that got the message across. I definitely suggest The Green Berets with John Wayne and David Jansen which also sprawned a top hit song in the mid 60's.
A great group from the 60's and 70's. This is such a beautiful and memorable song, one that you can't forget. The song was released in 1969. My brother describes a strong 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. Other winners by the Hollies are LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS, THE AIR THAT I BREATHE, CARRIE ANNE and ON A CAROUSEL.
This song will be played at the end of my funeral service. Not only a message for my two sons but my statement on what life on earth is really all about.
Such an iconic song .... still is as good today as it was when it first came out Timeless for sure Be well Fr across the waters Canada 🇨🇦 🐥❣️🐥hugs everyone
This is a beautiful song and one of the Hollies' best I think. The Hollies were a fabulous band with loads of great songs such as Bus Stop, The Air That I Breathe, Look Through Any Window, Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress and Carrie Anne. They were from the 60s and 70s and were often on Top of the Pops in the UK. Had quite a few of their singles. Thanks so much for this reaction, guys, cheers.
There's more than one origin story for the phrase, the one I heard first and like best: This happened at a famous orphanage in the U.S. "Boys Town", this place was said to not be like the horrible orphanages of the time. The man who started it was named Father Edward Flanagan. One of the Resident boys was seen carrying a boy with polio up the stairs. Father Flanagan says something like, he must be heavy. I don't know why but this brings me to tears pretty regularly.
Beautiful song about empathy and compassion for your fellow man. Wish you had done the studio version. The words stand out more. Great song. Many covers done of it by various artists over the years.
I've always loved this band I had 4 older brothers that all played music during the sixties and my oldest brother this was one of his favorite bands they made a number of great songs but I had 2 brothers that passed away 3 weeks apart and we played this at their funeral my oldest brother wasn't supposed to die but this is a hard song for me to listen to but I'm glad you guys reacted to it because it's a beautiful song Keep spreading the music around guys God bless I needed a cry today ❤
You'll never see that kind of emotion from them listening to a rap song. Resurrecting these old tunes from the 60's and 70's may very well be what saves us.
This is from the time of the Vietnam War. In the song, one soldier carries another, who is wounded. They are far from safety and help but all troops fighting there see each other as brothers. He carries a great weight but says " he ain't heavy, he's my brother"
The Hollies were founded by Graham Nash who went to to Crosby, Stills and Nash (later joined by Neil Young too). But the main song writing talent in the band was Graham Gouldman. Bus Stop is a great song written by Graham
hollies were great -one of the great instantly recognizable voices of the 60's-you MUST do long cool woman in a black dress bus stop carrie anne the air that i breath on a carasell stop stop stop etc....long cool woman rocks -very famous in the states-huge hit
A great reaction to a beautiful song about caring and love for someone like a brother and being there for them unconditionally. Carrying their burden metaphorically if need be, as the lyric said: "And the load doesn't weigh me down at all. He ain't heavy he's my brother." This song always makes me emotional with the awesome lyrics and the poignant harmonica.
You bros. never fail to impress me. I would be happy to call you both my friends. You are both so honest and the love you have for the music is incredible. Great reaction!!!
One of the most uplifting, inspiring and hopeful songs of the '70s. It captured the feeling of the era - love for each other, caring for each other and supporting one another. The only effect that was used on vocals back then was a little bit of reverb.
Hey Guys .. Patrick I want ur shirt .. really!!! Eagles is my #1 band. Great reactions to an awesome song .. y'all r so on point. Very beautiful harmonies & melodies .. luv luv! Y'all b safe & well ... Peace Out ✌🏼🤘🏼❣️
Not about soldiers.It was actually written about an orphanage called Boys Town. there was one little boy that was crippled all the other little boys in the orphanage would carry the little crippled boy on their back. when the priest asked why they carry him,and asked if he was heavy,the other orphans said he's not heavy he's my brother. you can Google the song and it will tell the story.
Thanks bro's! I was excited to see you were reacting to a Holly's song! Graham Nash from Crosby Stills Nash and Young was one of the original members of the Holly's. They had a LOT of great songs! A couple suggestions, "Carrie Anne" "Stop stop stop" "On a Carousel" Always fun to watch you two!!! Thank you!!!!! 👌❤
Deep song. I always related it to one of ny brothers in particular. It is also about carrying one another as you described. We help each other along the road. Many great hits by the HolliesQ!
When a brother carries a burden or challenge for another brother without expecting something in return is beautiful. When a brother's unconditional love for his sibling is manifested one can understand what Jesus taught about having this kind of love not just for a brother in the faith but for mankind in general, Carrying someone else's trials is the ultimate achievement of good men.
Gamarjoba brothers, madloba! Perfect that y'all should react to this timeless and always timely classic, being very brotherly brothers. I am relieved also that you realize they are talking about our fellow human beings, for whom we also need to care, and carry...like soldiers, only every day as soldiers of life...fighting to keep the light of hope lit, to live another night. Happy holidays to you and your family.
This song is based on a true story from a place called Boystown orphanage in Omaha Nebraska. A priest named Father Flanigan started the place in 1917. In 1918 a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother. Howard had polio and wore heavy braces and it was difficult to go up and down the stairs. The older boys used to carry him up and down the stairs. One day, Father Flannigan asked one of the boys, Reuben Granger if carrying Howard was difficult. Reuben said, "He ain't heavy, Father...he's my brother" In 1943 Father Flanigan was reminded of a photo of Howard Loomis being carried that was in a magazine. The magazine gave Father Flanigan the permission to use the image which is now a statue of Howard being carried by one of the boys and has the quote He ain't heavy he's my brother on it. That's the origin of the phrase. The statue is still there.
Thanks so much for sharing that ! I was never quite sure what it was really about.
Thank you for sharing. I did not know that;-)
Very true I live in Lincoln Ne .
Yep
I have visited Boys Town and what you say is all correct. Hearing this song puts a lump in my throat. Good info.
We DO need songs like this today. They inspire people to be better.
We still do. :) We watched it here and so many other places. I loved this live version. The Hollies youtube rabbit hole is a great place.
As a songwriter, I wish that I had written this song. It is not about brothers, or soldiers, or friends; it is about the whole world, and helping the poor, destitute, homeless, and disenfranchised.
❤❤❤
In 2024 it's good to See young people listening to Great 🎶 🎵.
Yes, the late 60's and early 70' middle 70's were the best!
We really are ALL BROTHERS & SISTERS.
Has had me in tears since the 60s, every time. A hymn to love, caring and friendship. Sublime .
Allan clarke what a singer
We all need each other as humanity
We’re all brothers and sisters under the skin!
VERY true!
This song came out in 1969 and still carries just as much relevance today.
One of the best band of the 70s. Well done boys. You have excellent taste. Love your genuine reactions and feel for good old fashion music.
We are all brothers and sisters
My lovely 80 year old aunt took care of her brother for 7 years before he died. I asked her if she ever heard of this song...she told me yes, in addition to prayer, she thought of it almost every day.
I’m glad you like The Hollies. Try The Air That I Breathe please. It was my mom’s favorite song and we played it at her funeral a couple weeks ago.
Yes,beautiful song. So sorry for your loss. Whenever you hear it now, it will remind you that she's with you. ❤
Best love song ever!!
Yes, brothers, I think your reaction to this classic song is correct. I believe it is a message about brotherhood, that we need to embrace our “brothers and sisters” who come from different places, backgrounds and life experiences, not consider them a “burden” or treat them with disrespect or, worse, hatred. It’s a message that is as relevant today as when the song was written. Thank you so much for this reaction.
How come they and others have been singing about togetherness for this long and some people still don’t get it?
Your reply to this beautiful song is spot on!You are good young men to be so intuitive.
The Air that I Breathe, is Beautiful...try that one too
Glad I grew up with this type of music...........
❤
'The Air That I Breathe' is another good one by them.
Indeed... "He's my brother" applies to our fellow human beings. 🥰
Written in 1969 by Bobby Scott (music) and Bob Russell (lyrics), when Mr. Russell (1914-1970) was dying of lymphoma. Elton John was the session pianist for the Hollies' recording.
One of my all time favourite songs!
Became something of a civil rights anthem, speaking to the brotherhood of all, that humanity is all one family.
Hollies were forned in Stockport, Greater Manchester northen England, where I came from. Great group.
I get chills every time I hear this. Allan Clarke had a magnificent voice. He turns 80 next April. The song's message is one of peace and supporting your fellow human.
I love this song so much. The Hollies are right up there with The Bee Gees in my book. And thank you to one of your followers about the origin of this song. Wow. Makes me cry. Thank you for your reaction! I love your input. Thank you.
Bro's, their "Long Cool Woman" must be next for you!!! (Banger) Then "The Air That I Breathe", "Bus Stop" and "Carrie Anne"
And “The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee”
the anthem for all men, beautifully sung
I'd be proud to have you two as Sons.You are a credit to your Parents.God Bless.
They ain't heavy, they're my BroAction Dudes!!
The Hollies are still performing and appeared in the city next to my hometown. What I can gather his voice is still incredible. One song that has the tears running down my face.... ALI GREEN. HOW CAN YOU MEND A BROKEN HEART. George get the tissues out. Refreshing to see a guy show his emotions.
Thank you for reacting to one of my favorite songs!
Lovely song, great performance, thoughtful reaction.
Nice one lads… other Hollies song “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” is a banger as well.
Our favourite...
Did you know that Graham Nash was a member of the Hollies.They disagreed about the direction their sound was going,and he left,and went to the US.
Crosby,Stills,Nash,and Young were to be his destiny.
I love this song so much
Glad you liked it. my generation's music. I love your reaction
Magnifique dans mes souenire c etait vraiment les bonne chansons dans mon temps xxxxx
George, Patrick, you will definitely enjoy "the air that I breath" from the Hollies
Such a great song that stands the test of time.
When one dies then it makes everything RIGHT.
The brotherly nudge and the smiles that followed was just lovely.
We are all brothers.
Other great music by the Hollies are: All I Need Is The Air That I Breathe, and Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress.
Thank you for bringing this back into my listening.
Oh gosh yes he can hold a note ❤
The title of this song originated from a story in a 1884 book, in which a young girl was seen struggling to carry her younger baby brother. Upon being asked if she was struggling, she said "He's not heavy, he's my brother".
A story much similar to that has been posted in many books and magazines since, all through the 20th century. The origin of it has been changed so many times, from a soldier picking up a fellow solider, someone helping their disabled brother, I've heard so many different ones. I'm not sure if it was specifically written about soldiers but I think it's an accurate interpretation.
Help your fellow man, you may need their help one day. Lift each other up, no matter how heavy they are.
It's possible about the story but the one about Boys Town has three names specific to the event.
The 1884 book anecdote was about a little Scottish girl who replied "He's no heavy, he's ma brither." The Hollies, being British, would have more likely been aware of that anecdote than the American Father Flanigan story.
I can see in your faces the same emotions I felt listening to this,that I felt when listening to this with my own brother. It's meaningful as it is when feeling the song in it's intended meaning, of looking at all as a brother...but much more so when you have your own brother there.
Humanity needs to live this song.
I prefer the studio version, it’s worth the reaction.
Yes, you definitely hit the nail on the head! This song was not just about your brothers by blood, but about your brothers on the battlefield. If you never served in the military, watch some war movies from the sixties and seventies. There were a lot of great war movies that got the message across. I definitely suggest The Green Berets with John Wayne and David Jansen which also sprawned a top hit song in the mid 60's.
A great group from the 60's and 70's. This is such a beautiful and memorable song, one that you can't forget. The song was released in 1969. My brother describes a strong 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. Other winners by the Hollies are LONG COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS, THE AIR THAT I BREATHE, CARRIE ANNE and ON A CAROUSEL.
What a smash-song from the Hollies forever! Thanks "BroAction" all time from Germany!
Beautiful live vocal.
First one in love this song brilliant love ur reactions much love from uk
Yes,.Best songs from the UK, the most talented and orginal...wow wonderful.
This song will be played at the end of my funeral service. Not only a message for my two sons but my statement on what life on earth is really all about.
This was played at my Husbands funeral for his 5 brothers, and one of my favourite songs xxx
❤His welfare is my concern! ,,,gets me every time ❤,
Such an iconic song .... still is as good today as it was when it first came out
Timeless for sure
Be well
Fr across the waters
Canada 🇨🇦
🐥❣️🐥hugs everyone
This is a beautiful song and one of the Hollies' best I think. The Hollies were a fabulous band with loads of great songs such as Bus Stop, The Air That I Breathe, Look Through Any Window, Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress and Carrie Anne. They were from the 60s and 70s and were often on Top of the Pops in the UK. Had quite a few of their singles. Thanks so much for this reaction, guys, cheers.
A true classic from one of the greatest bands of all time.
There's more than one origin story for the phrase, the one I heard first and like best:
This happened at a famous orphanage in the U.S. "Boys Town", this place was said to not be like the horrible orphanages of the time. The man who started it was named Father Edward Flanagan. One of the Resident boys was seen carrying a boy with polio up the stairs. Father Flanagan says something like, he must be heavy. I don't know why but this brings me to tears pretty regularly.
Such an incredible song. Chills up my back. The goodness in humanity. 💖
This song is in my heart since the day I first heard it . I just love it ❤️🎶 And Alan Clarke is such a magnificent singer.
You are so right Bro, this song was very popular with the soldiers during many conflicts around the world.
This was from a time when we were all insisting that everyone was our family. We called each other brothers and sisters. Special time.
Beautiful song about empathy and compassion for your fellow man. Wish you had done the studio version. The words stand out more. Great song. Many covers done of it by various artists over the years.
I've always loved this band I had 4 older brothers that all played music during the sixties and my oldest brother this was one of his favorite bands they made a number of great songs but I had 2 brothers that passed away 3 weeks apart and we played this at their funeral my oldest brother wasn't supposed to die but this is a hard song for me to listen to but I'm glad you guys reacted to it because it's a beautiful song Keep spreading the music around guys God bless I needed a cry today ❤
It’s hard to find a male only group that has harmonies as good as The Eagles, or CSN, but The Hollies are a match
Crosby, Stills and Nadh
Thank you for your genuine wise respectful reactions. You both are great! Thank.youfor your work
I forgot how beautiful this song was. Thanks.
Their "The Air That I Breathe" is the best love song ever...check it out.
You'll never see that kind of emotion from them listening to a rap song. Resurrecting these old tunes from the 60's and 70's may very well be what saves us.
This is the Sixties one of the Pop music Top Ten shows very popular in England then.
To me the road is life, & we should help our brothers & sisters through life with us.
This definitely served as a bonding experience for soldiers in Vietnam, given the daily nightmare they were facing.
This is from the time of the Vietnam War. In the song, one soldier carries another, who is wounded. They are far from safety and help but all troops fighting there see each other as brothers.
He carries a great weight but says " he ain't heavy, he's my brother"
The Hollies were founded by Graham Nash who went to to Crosby, Stills and Nash (later joined by Neil Young too). But the main song writing talent in the band was Graham Gouldman. Bus Stop is a great song written by Graham
Hello Bros thank you for posting this classic. I grew up with this awsome song'
hollies were great -one of the great instantly recognizable voices of the 60's-you MUST do
long cool woman in a black dress
bus stop
carrie anne
the air that i breath
on a carasell
stop stop stop
etc....long cool woman rocks -very famous in the states-huge hit
One of my very favorite songs-thank you!
I love Bus Stop by them, after Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress, of course.
A great reaction to a beautiful song about caring and love for someone like a brother and being there for them unconditionally. Carrying their burden metaphorically if need be, as the lyric said: "And the load
doesn't weigh me down at all. He ain't heavy he's my brother." This song always makes me emotional with the awesome lyrics and the poignant harmonica.
You bros. never fail to impress me. I would be happy to call you both my friends. You are both so honest and the love you have for the music is incredible. Great reaction!!!
One of the most uplifting, inspiring and hopeful songs of the '70s. It captured the feeling of the era - love for each other, caring for each other and supporting one another. The only effect that was used on vocals back then was a little bit of reverb.
Great song…..yes, soldiers. Also, Where Have All The Flowers Gone……haunts my childhood. Vietnam war era. Church like sound.
What a beautiful song from a fantastic band. His voice is amazing. Knew it would touch you George.
Studio version is even better.
Hey Guys .. Patrick I want ur shirt .. really!!! Eagles is my #1 band. Great reactions to an awesome song .. y'all r so on point. Very beautiful harmonies & melodies .. luv luv! Y'all b safe & well ... Peace Out ✌🏼🤘🏼❣️
Absolutely on-point reaction. Well done, lads! We all need someone to carry us from time to time.
Whoop Whoop!!!! So nice to see you do another great song!!!! ❤️
Not about soldiers.It was actually written about an orphanage called Boys Town. there was one little boy that was crippled all the other little boys in the orphanage would carry the little crippled boy on their back. when the priest asked why they carry him,and asked if he was heavy,the other orphans said he's not heavy he's my brother. you can Google the song and it will tell the story.
“We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.” - Gwendolyn Brooks. Peace/JT
More than ever, we have to carry each other. Especially in time of war.
Thanks bro's! I was excited to see you were reacting to a Holly's song! Graham Nash from Crosby Stills Nash and Young was one of the original members of the Holly's. They had a LOT of great songs! A couple suggestions, "Carrie Anne" "Stop stop stop" "On a Carousel" Always fun to watch you two!!! Thank you!!!!! 👌❤
Really great song to consider...Cat Stevens Sitting...really thought provoking and of course Cat's wonderful voice.
NICE REACTION BROS
Deep song. I always related it to one of ny brothers in particular. It is also about carrying one another as you described. We help each other along the road. Many great hits by the HolliesQ!
Great message in this song ❤
One of the greatest songs of all time, one of the greatest bands of all time.
When a brother carries a burden or challenge for another brother without expecting something in return is beautiful. When a brother's unconditional love for his sibling is manifested one can understand what Jesus taught about having this kind of love not just for a brother in the faith but for mankind in general, Carrying someone else's trials is the ultimate achievement of good men.
Brilliant 👏 brought back a lot of memories 😘
Gamarjoba brothers, madloba! Perfect that y'all should react to this timeless and always timely classic, being very brotherly brothers. I am relieved also that you realize they are talking about our fellow human beings, for whom we also need to care, and carry...like soldiers, only every day as soldiers of life...fighting to keep the light of hope lit, to live another night.
Happy holidays to you and your family.