This song was and still is inspired by Boys Town. One day the Founder Father Flanagan saw a young boy carrying his crippled younger brother up the stairs at the home,Father Flanagan said that was a heavy load you’re carrying,the boy replied he ain’t heavy he’s my brother.It’s still the mission statement of Boys Town.
I remember as a child in the 1950s and 1960s the Boys Town seals with the boy carrying his brother coming in the mail, typically at Christmas time. My mom would always send in a donation and use those seals on our Christmas card envelopes. My mom wouldn't use them unless she sent in a donation.
64 years young here and love all of these songs. My older sister is 70 and I’d listen to her 0:15 music that she’d have playing on her transistor radio. Those were the 0:15 days! and we didn’t always even know what the artists looked like unless their picture was on their album or happened to see them on TV (which was rare!) nowadays a kid/singer/rapper has 1 video and they’re famous! No paying dues and the stuff they usually put out is crap.
This is beautiful if you are thinking of your own brother but when we listened to this back in 1969, caring about and carrying your brother was about caring for all of humanity. It was about our love and connection to every human. Your brother and your sister were made up of the family of mankind. (Humankind ) Makes me nostalgic for the genuine hope, innocence and caring that informed our lives in that era. 🤍🕊️
This became an anthem during the Vietnam War. It has been used a lot as background music with regards to any major strife in the world. It has a simple but needed message for anyone needing to become a strength for someone else. Great review.
All of the songs during the Vietnam era were incredible...they were meaningful and represented what the world was going through at the time...they are historical yet still have great relevance to this day...and when compared to what they make today there is absolutely no comparison
I'll be 50 shortly...I grew up listening to this music because of my mom... she'll be 70 in a month and I will play a lot of these songs from this era and shortly after during her birthday celebration next month
My parents failed as parents, so my brother, 15 years older, carried me and supported me through life. I always thought I was blessed to have a brother like that. He spoke little, found it hard to open up to others, but before he died he told me: "Although I never married and never had children, you were a real treasure in my life."
Life, the universe, God, whatever you want to call it, has an interesting way of weaving it's magic. I'm 10 years older than my "little" brother, although now we are 46 and 36. Our mother was not much of a mother and when we were kids I tried my best to be there for him, cook for him and care for him when he was sick. Now he's there for me. I do have my own children but he's the only other family I've got and it's great to have my brother in my life.
@@timcarr6401 Well, to be fair, it might not be immediately obvious. (He's hearing the song for the first time.) The song can TOTALLY be appreciated as being about loving your sibling. It can be about the love and support of immediate family. And it can be extremely moving from that perspective. It can be appreciated on many levels. It can be about one's fellow humans of any type. It can be about racial justice. It can be about having empathy for disability, or mental illness, or any of the difficulties and challenges experienced by someone standing next to you. It can be about loving and supporting your fellow human, no matter who he or she might be to you. (Maybe even your own male sibling.)
I have an older sister and we historically aren't close which makes me sad. But, recently I was in a bad way and she came to my rescue, with no questions asked. Me gusto mucho.
My dad was an addict. From a young age I brought up my 2 younger brothers. It cost me my own childhood and education but Id do it all again in a heartbeat. They are exceptional men and my best friends.
We played this song at my brother Joe's funeral. In 1975, when he was only 17, he was in a diving accident and broke 4 vertebrae in his spine. He became a quadriplegic and depended on my parents, our older brother and me for nearly every thing in his life until he passed away in 2014. At least 4 times a day, our older brother Jeff would literally carry him from wherever he was to wherever he needed to be. .. from the van into the emergency room more than once. At Joe's funeral, we played this song, and the literal hundreds of people who attended his funeral were in tears. Joe had become a bit of a hero/legend in our tiny Oklahoma town, and was loved by them all. Jeff had told Joe dozens of times over the years, "You aren't heavy, you're my brother ". It truly feels as though that song was written for my amazing brothers. Rest in heaven Joe. You can walk and run and dance again, and I am so grateful to have that image in my mind.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and it’s a wonderful reminder of how important our relationship with our brothers and sisters are❤, love to you my friend
Even though this is a tragedy your family, this brought your family together stronger. Sorry for your loss. Your brother is my age, I was 17 in '75! He is in a better place now, and free as a bird with Christ.
My younger brother by 2 years passed away in my arms at the age of 60. This song always brings the tears. From the time he was 2 years old he was my shadow, and followed in my footsteps. Love you Mike, miss you❤️😢
This song is about humanity. We are all 'brothers' to each other (even people non-male).... this is about how we should be supporting and loving one another, no matter what country, ethnicity, religion, gender, identity etc. Instead of trying to tear down others because of our fears, misguided beliefs etc.
It's not just about family...it's about society in it's entirety!!! It's about the brotherhood and sisterhood of mankind!!! We should always support each other!!!
I'm on mission in 78 with the Marines when I got the call my brother was gone. By the time I got back I missed everything . I went to the top of the hill overlooking a reservoir and played this on my cassette over and over praying for God to accept his young soul in to the grace of Jesus and to forgive me for not being there in his time of need
@robert Not too late....because there is no time with Almighty God. You can still think of and pray for the young man in his need as if it were now - because Holy God can miraculously apply your attention and intention to those moments in human time as if you were there then. Christians are not all taught thus, but should be made aware of: one of the most powerful realities of the action of God's Grace - Timelessness+
When my younger brother died I was carrying his ashes down the beach and someone asked me if the container was too heavy. It made me smile because this song went through my head. Now this song is very special to me.
Similarly, I had collected my twin brother's ashes and I commented to my husband that they were much heavier than I was expecting. He asked if I wanted him to take them and of course, I started singing No, it's Okay "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." It made us both laugh and cry at the same time. Still broken-hearted. 💔
This song by the Hollies and You'll never walk alone sung by Gerry and the pacemakers both do it for me. 2 of the grreatest performances by North West English groups of the 60"s
It can apply to so many things, Including the real relationship between actual brothers; but you're right. I think during this time everybody was trying to bring the races together and the different classes together in music. We accomplished that by and large - - until people started trying to tear it apart in the last 10 years or so. I resent that on a really deep level. We're all brothers and sisters; God created all of us in His image. Caring about others isn't heavy burden to bear, when you think of them as your actual brothers.
My 22 year old brother and his friends were at my moms kitchen table, talking about what if. Soon, they got around to funerals. My brother said he wanted this song played at his funeral, as his friends carried his casket. One month later he was murdered. We honored his wish. It hurts 50+ years later, but the song is still special, to me.
I just lost my brother last week. He had a handicap and I took care of him every day. He was the strongest person I knew. People just don't understand it's not work it's an honor to take care of him ( he's my brother).
At 59 this song still gets me emotional, no matter what creed, colour or religion you are, we are all brothers and sisters of the human race and need to wake up and realise that we shouldn't be destroying eachother 🇬🇧
This song was written for all the "brothers" who needed strength from other brothers/sisters! This song is personal to me - my bro had mental issues but was never a burden to me! It was a long , long road that ended with cancer....he's now free in Heaven!! He was never heavy to me! ❤
My brother was 100% dependent, and yet we all needed him. He had cerebral palsey. I would've taken care of him until my last breath. I remember listening to this song as a young girl, and I understood then. It could also mean band of brothers, too.
I just lost my baby brother to cancer in Nov 2023. We were 10 years different in age. He told me before he passed on how much he appreciated me as his older sister taking care of him when he was so young. It broke my heart. I miss you, Andy! You'll always be in my heart forever! RIP, sweet one! ❤😢🙏💕
❤️this song so much, really feel the emotion of it, so very sorry for your loss, one of my children was diagnosed with leukaemia aged 3, now 33 years later we’ve come to the end of the road, there is no more treatment left. Bond of family is so very strong, please take comfort in that you were an amazing loving sister that enriched his life so much. May he R.I.P.❤️😍❤️ May you find the peace that you deserve so much✊❤️
@@maryanngarrimone1153 Am so very sorry you lost your brother, I don’t know what’s happened to my old brain but I read that as diagnosed! Deepest condolences & apologies for my stupidity! ❤️✊❤️❤️❤️
I lost my twin brother in 1989, suddenly in a car accident. My 17 year old self was broken and this track was rereleased shortly after..... It still makes me cry today. Chills.
This song was released during a time when there was a lot of legitimate social unrest. I have always thought of this as referring to "brother" in the more general term - or "brotherhood of man". If your focus shifts to that instead of the more specific "brother" - it becomes more powerful.
Love this group. The Hollies are a British pop rock group formed in 1962 & known for their great harmonies. They had so many hit songs such as "The Air That I Breathe", "Bus Stop", "Stop Stop Stop", "On A Carousel", "Carrie Anne", "Here I Go Again", "Look Through Any Window", "King Midas In Reverse", "Jennifer Eccles", "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" etc. "Graham Nash" was originally in this group & left in 1968 to form "Crosby, Stills & Nash".
I am the only girl of 5 children, so I had 4 brothers growing up. We are all in our 50s-60s now. One brother has gone through really tough times, is now disabled, suicidal, in a sad state. This song is our agreed-upon anthem for helping that brother through his tough times. We will never let him fall, never leave him alone, and never give up on him.
My brother was diagnosed schoprenic in his late teens, I was 12. It was a traumatic experience and continued up until he passed in his late 60's. This song hit home as soon as I heard it. My brother was a guitar player, and I would spend hours at his feet before, he got sick, listening to him play. His musical influences on me were Janis Joplin, James Taylor, The Beatles (white album) lol. BB King, Cream, Moody Blues. When he passed, it was a blessing as he spent his life in mental institutions. But this song resonates with me as he was never, ever a burden, he was my brother.
My 96 year old mum died on Sunday after seven years of dementia suffering. I am completely broken but I am so glad that I was able to ensure she had the best care for her last days. This song sums it up perfectly. She was never a burden to me as I loved her so much. x
There is a sense of rightness in caring for a loved one, doing the best that you possibly can to care for your family member who's facing death is almost holy I hope you can find peace in knowing that you did everything that you could to ease her passing.
Aw, my mum died nearly 10 years ago. I still miss her so much, but you build a life around the hole they left. I have nothing but good memories. Caring for a dying parent is an absolute privilege -painful but beautiful.
I graduated from high school in 1969. I don't have the words to express the joy your channel brings to me. Watching you discover the fabulous music i grew up with and reliving the times touches my heart. I cry with you and am so grateful you're taking the time to celebrate the outstanding artists of "my" day. Listen to Buffalo Springfield.... For What it's Worth.... Vietnam War days.... ❤😢❤❤❤
Just a year ago I was back home in Minnesota my brother a year older than I, was struggling with Multipole Myeloma stage 4. I stayed with my younger sister, and we brought our brother home to hospice at her house and we both took care of him. He died 2 weeks later, and we had a beautiful memorial service at her house. He was a guitar player too. God I miss him. This was the song we played for him.
Brother, I just returned home from my sister's house where I had the night shift. She is just 74 and dying from a rare and aggressive cancer. Four years ago she buried her son at the age of 42. He was born with short bowel syndrome. He was the bravest person I've ever known. Now my sister is as well. Thank you for sharing your families pain and yours.Thank you.
I took care of my youngest brother who was mentally disabled for 15 1/2 years after our parents passed. This song and Jesus got me through the hardest times. RIP to both my brothers 😇❤️😇
This song gives me cold chills and does make my cry. My brother died from a brain aneurysm 17 hrs afterward so this really hits home. I have a twin sister and he and I looked more alike than my twin - we were really close! One of the most beautiful songs ever wrote!
This song brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. Our children are all grown: Son, Son, Daughter, Son. It is our youngest son that will need to live with us until we are too old to care for him or we pass on. Our oldest son has, of his own volition, stepped up and has claimed responsibility for his youngest brother for when the time comes. The conversation happened in an unexpected phone call that brought me to my knees and in tears of gratitude....it is the biggest concern and fear of parents with disabled adult children: who will care for our child when we are gone? I am so humbled and grateful that our oldest son feels and believes it to be his role and responsibility as the eldest child, to be the one to say, "He ain't heavy. He's my brother."
My two grown sons are many miles apart. They play their video games together and have a great time. They talk some way or another almost daily. They are 32 and 37 now, but if something big happened, they would get to each other somehow.
This is my dad’s song. Our lives revolved around music and this one is very special. He was 17 when he had me and in a lot of ways we grew up together . He the youngest of 5 and had tuff time with life. He now retiring this year and 25 years clean. I think I’m play this one for him. 😢 I have 4 sons, my youngest is autistic. I never had a brother. My Dad was my best friend.
Played at my brother in law's funeral in 2007. This song is beyond special to my family. Plus Alan Clarke is an old friend of the family, my mother was at his wedding in Coventry as a guest back in the early 1970s. I love this song, its a timeless classic.
The Hollies came from my home town and I was so proud they did this song! It's such a wonderful song- beautiful words that mean so much to so many people for different meanings! Whoever wrote this had a wonderful ❤ I consider myself very privileged to have belonged to this musical era! LOVE AND KINDNESS TO ALL❤❤❤😊😊😊
It's a beautiful song and a beautiful sentiment. We're all brothers, carrying each other along this road to ... who knows where? I don't listen to modern music, being pretty much a creature of my past. Do they still write popular songs about love and brotherhood? If they don't, well, that's a message every generation needs to hear.
If you listen closely to the track, you will hear an electric piano playing along with the bass guitar. They needed a piano part. Their friend Reg Dwight (who later became Elton John) made himself available to do session work. He was the studio’s messenger boy, and he was recording his own material at night and doing odd jobs to make money.
We played this at my hrothers funeral two years ago,he took his own life at 37years old...Forever a piece of my heart missing😭i loved him so much and tried so hard to help him with yis mental illness🙏🥰❤️RIP My Brother Corey,till we meet again🙏🥰❤️
This is truly a beautiful song the Hollies are a great group but there is an earlier video of them performing the same song where they are younger. I’ve watched a couple of reactions to it the message is so strong and sometimes the reaction interpreted in a wider sense of brotherhood but equally relevant. Enjoy your channel as an 89 year old Nan so love the timeless music you younger people discover and enable me to rediscover.
I'm 64 now both my two elder brothers have gone. in the 70s we were all in a band together. We used to play this song and it always makes me think of those days. In the 80s I was in another band and we did a Beatles stage show and we became like brothers. I recently found out that our Ringo has terminal lung cancer, and the other three of us are going to see him in palliative care so that the four band member can be in the same room again for one last time. He ain't heavy he's our brother.
Listening to this when I was very young in England it never occurred to me to think of the words in the literal sense. Everyone were 'brothers' back then. It was also the time of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland, and the Vietnam war, and the song to me seemed to epitomize how soldiers felt about each other and considered themselves brothers with each other. It was just an everyday phrase. Finding out the inspiration for this song was Boys Town really solidified my understanding of the meaning of the words. This verse particularly: 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 I wish we could all find this love today for one another.
This song is about father Flanagan's boys Town and their logo is "He ain't heavy, He's My brother" and it shows a big brother piggybacking his younger brother that has polio in his legs and carrying his crutches. Because his brother's legs and back gets so tired for trying to walk any long-distance.
Unity and cooperation among all people is the meaning of Brotherhood Of Man what I believe is the meaning behind these lyrics by the Hollies. Had me in tears in the 1970s as a child. We must stand by and lift each other up. The righteous will defeat the evil in the world. As long as we stand up for each other and what is good in this world.
One must also consider the time in which this song was recorded and released. It's about more than just familial relationships, it's also about how we are all brothers and sisters, and about how we treat each other, and how ready we are to help carry anyone that is struggling in real time.
Thank you Sebs. My older brother and I are in our older years now, and he is suffering from several major medical conditions. He has always been a rock for me but we were never the hugging emotional family until now. I recently sent him a letter telling him how much I have looked up to him and before it's too late I said I Love you brother to which he genuinely thanked me. This song just brings it all back.
The Expression "He ain't heavy. He's my Brother. Comes out of Father Flanagan's Boys Town Orphanage from the 1930s. Some kid carrying a boy on his back was asked by The Philanthropic priest. "Isn't he heavy? The Boy told the Priest, "He ain't Heavy. He's My Brother.." The Expression is on a statue of the boys out in front of Boy's Town to this day.
They were a soft rock or pop group. Of all those British Invasion groups, they were one of the longest lasting, having hits into the Seventies and 1980. They had a long string of Top Ten Hits including two more #1 hits “The Air That I Breathe”, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” and my sister’s favorite, the top ten hit “Bus Stop”. Graham Nash began with The Hollies before joining Buffalo Springfield. He was the “N” in CSN&Y (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young”).
I met the Hollies when I worked as a florist for a time in Manchester (uk) They were recording at the Granada studios just down the road..Always loved them a very underestimated band ...I am the youngest of five as well
My brother who was battling cancer came to live with me the last 7 months of his life - I wouldn't trade it for anything ❤ This song is reminding me of our time spent together before he left us 😢 It was hard and demanding, but he was my brother and I would do it again - miss you Randy 💔
My favorite line in the song And the load doesn't weigh me down at all he aint heavy he's my brother. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters and we were raised as ONE....❤💯
I had this song played during my baby brother’s memorial serving! I am the only sibling he acknowledged on his social pages. The brother just older than Chris is the last sibling to see Chris before his death. The others were sooo critical of him. Please see this as an indication that we all have flaws and no one is helped by judgment. I could call him anytime and his response was “I’ll be right there, sis.” He was!
I have been a fan of this song and The Hollies since the mid 60’s. Their harmonies were the best. Graham Nash was part of them for many years then left to join Crosby Stills Nash & Young.
We're all brothers, Sebs. You're my brother and I'm yours. We all need a helping hand now and then, and this song tells us why we should remember that. I am so happy that you're learning about music like this, and I love your reaction videos.
The song was written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, their only collaboration as songwriters. Russell was dying of cancer at the time and his lyrics for this song would be the last he ever wrote. The origin of the phrase is unknown, but it did appear as the title of an article in Kiwanis magazine in 1924 and then later became the motto for Father Flanagan’s Boy’s Town in the 1940s.
This song always brings me to tears. I come from a family of 9 plus one adopted. 8 boys and two girls. We used to be very close, but as we aged, I'm now 68, we've drifted apart and we rarely see each other and the sad part is we all live fairly close in the RI. I'm the 7th in line. I recently had 2 of my brothers pass in as many years. All I can say to everyone, is hold on tight and let the little things go because you don't want to be where my family is now. It breaks my heart because at this age your family is so important. Thanks for this video Seb.
Great song... The Osmonds and their sister Marie often sang this song on their TV shows. Their 2 oldest brothers were deaf, and they've had many trials.
This song debuted during the Viet Nam War, I was at University as many of my friends were called by the Draft. The sadness we shared as they left university to face the unknown was deep. It is an especially significant song for those who faced the battlefield. The expression "blood is thicker than water" actually means the opposite of how we use it. The blood of the battlefield is thicker than the water of the womb. The constant feeling that death is all around you, makes your military relationships very close. Often lasting forever...you become "brothers in arms". This is why this song hits many of us emotionally, we all have our own experiences with difficulties, tragedies and profound loss, it is the depths of our relationships that make our lives bearable...I'm glad that the mysterious RUclips algorithm brought you to me Sebs!
This reminds me of my friend who spent years trying to save his son from drugs and dealers, even getting his home attacked.His son hanged himself.About a year later he did the same. Rest in peace Nev, he loved this song We listened as 15 yr olds.
This was, used as the backing music for Terry fox who had a leg amputation due to cancer but with an artificial ran across Canada but tragically got cancer again before he could finish a gorgeous song with a lot of meaning to a lot of people ❤ what a song
I fell in the bathtub and cut my Achilles tendon on a bic razor almost all the way through & my brother ran into the bathroom with towels to cover me and soak up the blood & carried me to the car so my mom could take me to the doctors to sew 56 stitches 3 layers deep. Thanx bro!
The Hollies is one of many groups I listened to during my high school days. A beautiful song that carries a great meaning. They don't have music like this anymore. I grew up during a time when there are some great groups and great music. Great memories from my past.
God bless you for taking on the "burden" of caring for your brothers, but this song goes deeper. This goes to how we are all brothers and sisters and we should take their well as our burden. It's the same theory as taking a village to raise children. My husband and I have been a soft place to land for the couple dozen kids who slipped through the cracks. We don't lock our front door in case someone needs a warm place to sleep for the night. Some are with us a day, some a couple weeks, some stay in our family through adulthood. Folks frequently tell us it's a great thing we're doing. My husband always says, "It's nothing special. I've always wondered why more folks don't do what we do."
This song was and still is inspired by Boys Town. One day the Founder Father Flanagan saw a young boy carrying his crippled younger brother up the stairs at the home,Father Flanagan said that was a heavy load you’re carrying,the boy replied he ain’t heavy he’s my brother.It’s still the mission statement of Boys Town.
❤
I remember as a child in the 1950s and 1960s the Boys Town seals with the boy carrying his brother coming in the mail, typically at Christmas time. My mom would always send in a donation and use those seals on our Christmas card envelopes. My mom wouldn't use them unless she sent in a donation.
❤❤
It's actually an older story than that, from back in the 1880s. Check out the Wikipedia entry for this song for the original Church of Scotland story.
@@user-gt2uf8cq9y That's interesting. I am sure Boys Town was inspired by the Scottish story as a theme for Boys Town.
70 yrs old...Grew up with the BEST MUSIC
Yes I agree I'm 65 those were the best songs.❤
64 years young here and love all of these songs. My older sister is 70 and I’d listen to her 0:15 music that she’d have playing on her transistor radio. Those were the 0:15 days! and we didn’t always even know what the artists looked like unless their picture was on their album or happened to see them on TV (which was rare!) nowadays a kid/singer/rapper has 1 video and they’re famous! No paying dues and the stuff they usually put out is crap.
This is beautiful if you are thinking of your own brother but when we listened to this back in 1969, caring about and carrying your brother was about caring for all of humanity. It was about our love and connection to every human. Your brother and your sister were made up of the family of mankind. (Humankind ) Makes me nostalgic for the genuine hope, innocence and caring that informed our lives in that era. 🤍🕊️
The crap that is performed today is just that
The songs from 70’s have such meaning
It was really an awakening of the soul
I'm an elder Hollies fan and want to say that I just love seeing the younger generation rediscovering songs I loved when younger.
This became an anthem during the Vietnam War. It has been used a lot as background music with regards to any major strife in the world. It has a simple but needed message for anyone needing to become a strength for someone else. Great review.
Two thumbs up.
All of the songs during the Vietnam era were incredible...they were meaningful and represented what the world was going through at the time...they are historical yet still have great relevance to this day...and when compared to what they make today there is absolutely no comparison
I'll be 50 shortly...I grew up listening to this music because of my mom... she'll be 70 in a month and I will play a lot of these songs from this era and shortly after during her birthday celebration next month
My parents failed as parents, so my brother, 15 years older, carried me and supported me through life. I always thought I was blessed to have a brother like that. He spoke little, found it hard to open up to others, but before he died he told me: "Although I never married and never had children, you were a real treasure in my life."
You were blessed...
Life, the universe, God, whatever you want to call it, has an interesting way of weaving it's magic. I'm 10 years older than my "little" brother, although now we are 46 and 36. Our mother was not much of a mother and when we were kids I tried my best to be there for him, cook for him and care for him when he was sick. Now he's there for me. I do have my own children but he's the only other family I've got and it's great to have my brother in my life.
What a beautiful memory to have. Made me cry❤
My parents failed as parents also..as most do !...my brother was just as horrible !
😢😢😢😢😢😢
If we all lived by these lyrics, the problems in the world will just dissipate. It’s an hymn to all humanity..
Love this song. I am an only child. I have had cousins and friends.
This song isn’t just about brother in the literal sense. It’s about helping your fellow man.
Exactly. He didn't get the point.
@@timcarr6401 Well, to be fair, it might not be immediately obvious. (He's hearing the song for the first time.) The song can TOTALLY be appreciated as being about loving your sibling. It can be about the love and support of immediate family. And it can be extremely moving from that perspective. It can be appreciated on many levels. It can be about one's fellow humans of any type. It can be about racial justice. It can be about having empathy for disability, or mental illness, or any of the difficulties and challenges experienced by someone standing next to you. It can be about loving and supporting your fellow human, no matter who he or she might be to you. (Maybe even your own male sibling.)
@@tuckerplum8085 Well said.
Excactly ! Love for God and fellow Man
@@tuckerplum8085 Notice how the video was in black and white, then became color at the end? This song was also a racial statement in the day.
Truly one of the best songs ever written. All of humanity need to live by this song. Sadly most wont even try to. May God bless you all.
Ty 🙏🙏😢😢
I have an older sister and we historically aren't close which makes me sad. But, recently I was in a bad way and she came to my rescue, with no questions asked. Me gusto mucho.
Blood is blood cherish her
I rarely hear that song without crying.
My dad was an addict. From a young age I brought up my 2 younger brothers. It cost me my own childhood and education but Id do it all again in a heartbeat. They are exceptional men and my best friends.
Bless you. You are a wonderful person.
GOD BLESS YOU MIGHTILY
Gulp….I’m not crying…I’m peeling onions!
We played this song at my brother Joe's funeral. In 1975, when he was only 17, he was in a diving accident and broke 4 vertebrae in his spine. He became a quadriplegic and depended on my parents, our older brother and me for nearly every thing in his life until he passed away in 2014. At least 4 times a day, our older brother Jeff would literally carry him from wherever he was to wherever he needed to be. .. from the van into the emergency room more than once. At Joe's funeral, we played this song, and the literal hundreds of people who attended his funeral were in tears. Joe had become a bit of a hero/legend in our tiny Oklahoma town, and was loved by them all. Jeff had told Joe dozens of times over the years, "You aren't heavy, you're my brother ". It truly feels as though that song was written for my amazing brothers. Rest in heaven Joe. You can walk and run and dance again, and I am so grateful to have that image in my mind.
So beautiful 😢❤
WOW! 😇
Your comment just brought me to tears. Your brothers sound like amazing fellas.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and it’s a wonderful reminder of how important our relationship with our brothers and sisters are❤, love to you my friend
Even though this is a tragedy your family, this brought your family together stronger. Sorry for your loss. Your brother is my age, I was 17 in '75! He is in a better place now, and free as a bird with Christ.
My younger brother by 2 years passed away in my arms at the age of 60. This song always brings the tears. From the time he was 2 years old he was my shadow, and followed in my footsteps. Love you Mike, miss you❤️😢
This song is about humanity. We are all 'brothers' to each other (even people non-male).... this is about how we should be supporting and loving one another, no matter what country, ethnicity, religion, gender, identity etc. Instead of trying to tear down others because of our fears, misguided beliefs etc.
It's not just about family...it's about society in it's entirety!!! It's about the brotherhood and sisterhood of mankind!!! We should always support each other!!!
I'm on mission in 78 with the Marines when I got the call my brother was gone. By the time I got back I missed everything . I went to the top of the hill overlooking a reservoir and played this on my cassette over and over praying for God to accept his young soul in to the grace of Jesus and to forgive me for not being there in his time of need
@robert
Not too late....because there is no time with Almighty God. You can still think of and pray for the young man in his need as if it were now - because Holy God can miraculously apply your attention and intention to those moments in human time as if you were there then. Christians are not all taught thus, but should be made aware of: one of the most powerful realities of the action of God's Grace - Timelessness+
@rmp7400 thankyou soooo much..
My Dad was a United States Marine he passed away at 31 I'm sorry for your loss 🙏🙏 omg I am crying I have depression hurts I love my brother 😢😢😢
💕🙏🙏
One of the most beautiful songs ever...
When my younger brother died I was carrying his ashes down the beach and someone asked me if the container was too heavy. It made me smile because this song went through my head. Now this song is very special to me.
Similarly, I had collected my twin brother's ashes and I commented to my husband that they were much heavier than I was expecting. He asked if I wanted him to take them and of course, I started singing No, it's Okay "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." It made us both laugh and cry at the same time. Still broken-hearted. 💔
😢😢😢😊
This has been covered by many artists, This cannot be beaten, lyrics so clear, harmonies outstanding.
This song by the Hollies and You'll never walk alone sung by Gerry and the pacemakers both do it for me. 2 of the grreatest performances by North West English groups of the 60"s
"His welfare is my concern" seems like such a formal line for a song... but in the hands of the Hollies, it's an absolute tear-jerker. Great reaction!
Such a beautiful song. Even now all these years later, I still get goosebumps.
Me also
This song is about our relationship with our fellow man to be there for one another. Because he's not heavy he's my brother ❤
Absolutely!!!!!! How sad we forgot 😢
It can apply to so many things, Including the real relationship between actual brothers; but you're right. I think during this time everybody was trying to bring the races together and the different classes together in music. We accomplished that by and large - - until people started trying to tear it apart in the last 10 years or so. I resent that on a really deep level. We're all brothers and sisters; God created all of us in His image. Caring about others isn't heavy burden to bear, when you think of them as your actual brothers.
@@CarolinaGirl6919 absolutely well said ❤️
Always makes me cry too
My 22 year old brother and his friends were at my moms kitchen table, talking about what if. Soon, they got around to funerals. My brother said he wanted this song played at his funeral, as his friends carried his casket. One month later he was murdered. We honored his wish. It hurts 50+ years later, but the song is still special, to me.
I cried once for the song and a second time on reading this comment. What a wise choice of music to have made for such a young soul.
This brought me to tears! I’m so sad to hear this. Bless you and yours
Omg I'm so sorry 😢😢😢😢
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I know time doesn't erase those wounds.
I just lost my brother last week. He had a handicap and I took care of him every day. He was the strongest person I knew. People just don't understand it's not work it's an honor to take care of him ( he's my brother).
He wasn't heavy either....
It's hard to add words to that,just understanding
God Bless You..
At 59 this song still gets me emotional, no matter what creed, colour or religion you are, we are all brothers and sisters of the human race and need to wake up and realise that we shouldn't be destroying eachother 🇬🇧
Hear, Hear!
so true
The song is about the brotherhood of man. Not a particular brother. In 1970 we were a troubled nation with Vietnam and racial issues.
and we are again, only worse
@@kencraig6526sadly true
I love this song. I think of it referring to the brotherhood of man and how we need to open our hearts to everyone.
This song was written for all the "brothers" who needed strength from other brothers/sisters! This song is personal to me - my bro had mental issues but was never a burden to me! It was a long , long road that ended with cancer....he's now free in Heaven!! He was never heavy to me! ❤
My brother was 100% dependent, and yet we all needed him. He had cerebral palsey. I would've taken care of him until my last breath. I remember listening to this song as a young girl, and I understood then.
It could also mean band of brothers, too.
The Hollies were an amazing British group with songs like The air that I breathe
Love The Air that I breathe! So beautiful.
I wonder if any of them are alive?
Alive, never broke up the group, and still performing.
Their lead singer is FIRE. One of those songs I could listen to every day. Great review.
allan clarke his name he was the best singer in the uk bands in the 60s and 70s imo
I just lost my baby brother to cancer in Nov 2023. We were 10 years different in age. He told me before he passed on how much he appreciated me as his older sister taking care of him when he was so young. It broke my heart. I miss you, Andy! You'll always be in my heart forever! RIP, sweet one! ❤😢🙏💕
I'm so sorry! Know that you were a light to him. ❤
❤️this song so much, really feel the emotion of it, so very sorry for your loss, one of my children was diagnosed with leukaemia aged 3, now 33 years later we’ve come to the end of the road, there is no more treatment left.
Bond of family is so very strong, please take comfort in that you were an amazing loving sister that enriched his life so much.
May he R.I.P.❤️😍❤️
May you find the peace that you deserve so much✊❤️
@JulieLevinge thank you! I still grieve to this day.
@janking4645 thank you ❤️
@@maryanngarrimone1153 Am so very sorry you lost your brother, I don’t know what’s happened to my old brain but I read that as diagnosed!
Deepest condolences & apologies for my stupidity! ❤️✊❤️❤️❤️
The most beautiful song ever written ❤️
I lost my twin brother in 1989, suddenly in a car accident. My 17 year old self was broken and this track was rereleased shortly after..... It still makes me cry today. Chills.
So sorry for your loss 🙏😢 prayers sent for your healing 🙏🙏
At heart we are all our brothers keepers in a ideal world.
This song was released during a time when there was a lot of legitimate social unrest. I have always thought of this as referring to "brother" in the more general term - or "brotherhood of man". If your focus shifts to that instead of the more specific "brother" - it becomes more powerful.
Love this group. The Hollies are a British pop rock group formed in 1962 & known for their great harmonies. They had so many hit songs such as "The Air That I Breathe", "Bus Stop", "Stop Stop Stop", "On A Carousel", "Carrie Anne", "Here I Go Again", "Look Through Any Window", "King Midas In Reverse", "Jennifer Eccles", "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" etc. "Graham Nash" was originally in this group & left in 1968 to form "Crosby, Stills & Nash".
Loved Gasoline Allley Bred back then. The song seems forgotten now.
I believe this song is special to the British military . Great song. 🇬🇧🎶💕
I am the only girl of 5 children, so I had 4 brothers growing up. We are all in our 50s-60s now. One brother has gone through really tough times, is now disabled, suicidal, in a sad state. This song is our agreed-upon anthem for helping that brother through his tough times. We will never let him fall, never leave him alone, and never give up on him.
I pray for you and your family and especially for your brother. I will continue to pray for you and your family. xx
@@hodgettsfamilypn thank you. 🙏
My brother was diagnosed schoprenic in his late teens, I was 12. It was a traumatic experience and continued up until he passed in his late 60's. This song hit home as soon as I heard it. My brother was a guitar player, and I would spend hours at his feet before, he got sick, listening to him play. His musical influences on me were Janis Joplin, James Taylor, The Beatles (white album) lol. BB King, Cream, Moody Blues. When he passed, it was a blessing as he spent his life in mental institutions. But this song resonates with me as he was never, ever a burden, he was my brother.
I'm so sorry 😢😢😢😢😢😢 prayers sent for you 😢
Great song. Timeless. The Hollies, in my opinion, rank in the top 10 of the greatest Rock N' Roll Bands of all time.
The Hollies are an excellent group with many great songs, they've been around since the 60's.
My 96 year old mum died on Sunday after seven years of dementia suffering. I am completely broken but I am so glad that I was able to ensure she had the best care for her last days. This song sums it up perfectly. She was never a burden to me as I loved her so much. x
I am truly sorry to hear about your mom. Please take care of yourself. You will never regret being their for your mom. God bless. 🌻
There is a sense of rightness in caring for a loved one, doing the best that you possibly can to care for your family member who's facing death is almost holy I hope you can find peace in knowing that you did everything that you could to ease her passing.
Aw, my mum died nearly 10 years ago. I still miss her so much, but you build a life around the hole they left. I have nothing but good memories. Caring for a dying parent is an absolute privilege -painful but beautiful.
I graduated from high school in 1969. I don't have the words to express the joy your channel brings to me. Watching you discover the fabulous music i grew up with and reliving the times touches my heart. I cry with you and am so grateful you're taking the time to celebrate the outstanding artists of "my" day. Listen to Buffalo Springfield.... For What it's Worth.... Vietnam War days.... ❤😢❤❤❤
I remember when the Hollies were in the British charts with this, they done a fab job of singing this beautiful song. Great group. 👌🙂💜💐🇬🇧
Just a year ago I was back home in Minnesota my brother a year older than I, was struggling with Multipole Myeloma stage 4. I stayed with my younger sister, and we brought our brother home to hospice at her house and we both took care of him. He died 2 weeks later, and we had a beautiful memorial service at her house. He was a guitar player too. God I miss him. This was the song we played for him.
Brother, I just returned home from my sister's house where I had the night shift. She is just 74 and dying from a rare and aggressive cancer. Four years ago she buried her son at the age of 42. He was born with short bowel syndrome. He was the bravest person I've ever known. Now my sister is as well. Thank you for sharing your families pain and yours.Thank you.
The harmonica gives it a haunting feeling.
I took care of my youngest brother who was mentally disabled for 15 1/2 years after our parents passed. This song and Jesus got me through the hardest times. RIP to both my brothers 😇❤️😇
I'm so sorry for your loss prayers for you 🙏🙏🙏😢
This song gives me cold chills and does make my cry. My brother died from a brain aneurysm 17 hrs afterward so this really hits home. I have a twin sister and he and I looked more alike than my twin - we were really close! One of the most beautiful songs ever wrote!
This song brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. Our children are all grown: Son, Son, Daughter, Son. It is our youngest son that will need to live with us until we are too old to care for him or we pass on. Our oldest son has, of his own volition, stepped up and has claimed responsibility for his youngest brother for when the time comes. The conversation happened in an unexpected phone call that brought me to my knees and in tears of gratitude....it is the biggest concern and fear of parents with disabled adult children: who will care for our child when we are gone? I am so humbled and grateful that our oldest son feels and believes it to be his role and responsibility as the eldest child, to be the one to say, "He ain't heavy. He's my brother."
My two grown sons are many miles apart. They play their video games together and have a great time. They talk some way or another almost daily. They are 32 and 37 now, but if something big happened, they would get to each other somehow.
This is my dad’s song. Our lives revolved around music and this one is very special. He was 17 when he had me and in a lot of ways we grew up together . He the youngest of 5 and had tuff time with life. He now retiring this year and 25 years clean. I think I’m play this one for him. 😢 I have 4 sons, my youngest is autistic. I never had a brother. My Dad was my best friend.
😢😢 so sorry 😢😢
Played at my brother in law's funeral in 2007. This song is beyond special to my family. Plus Alan Clarke is an old friend of the family, my mother was at his wedding in Coventry as a guest back in the early 1970s. I love this song, its a timeless classic.
This is the hippie era and the songs were incredibly soulful, I’m 78 and still get chills and I grew up with this music!
One FATHER all Brothers &Sisters ❤
The Hollies came from my home town and I was so proud they did this song! It's such a wonderful song- beautiful words that mean so much to so many people for different meanings! Whoever wrote this had a wonderful ❤ I consider myself very privileged to have belonged to this musical era! LOVE AND KINDNESS TO ALL❤❤❤😊😊😊
It's a beautiful song and a beautiful sentiment. We're all brothers, carrying each other along this road to ... who knows where?
I don't listen to modern music, being pretty much a creature of my past. Do they still write popular songs about love and brotherhood? If they don't, well, that's a message every generation needs to hear.
If you listen closely to the track, you will hear an electric piano playing along with the bass guitar. They needed a piano part. Their friend Reg Dwight (who later became Elton John) made himself available to do session work. He was the studio’s messenger boy, and he was recording his own material at night and doing odd jobs to make money.
I didn't know this. Great story. Elton John is an amazing musician.
Can't stand Elton John. All his music sounds the same.
@@angelaregan475 Maybe you need hearing aids.
@@chrispavlich9656absolutely agree 💯💯💯💯 Elton John is the best 💗💗
We played this at my hrothers funeral two years ago,he took his own life at 37years old...Forever a piece of my heart missing😭i loved him so much and tried so hard to help him with yis mental illness🙏🥰❤️RIP My Brother Corey,till we meet again🙏🥰❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss!
❤❤❤
I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏🙏 prayers for your healing 🙏 God bless you he's an angel 😇 in heaven 🙏🙏
I've been listening to this song for more than 50 years and it still hits me hard. It is a beautiful song in melody and lyrics.
The song is in many many Vietnam movies/tv shows. It's just beautiful. I don't have brothers, I have 2 amazing older sisters. ❣
What a song ❤️❤️❤️
It’s about humanity
Brother in this song refers to mankind. Helping one another and sharing what we have.
This is truly a beautiful song the Hollies are a great group but there is an earlier video of them performing the same song where they are younger. I’ve watched a couple of reactions to it the message is so strong and sometimes the reaction interpreted in a wider sense of brotherhood but equally relevant. Enjoy your channel as an 89 year old Nan so love the timeless music you younger people discover and enable me to rediscover.
I'm 64 now both my two elder brothers have gone. in the 70s we were all in a band together. We used to play this song and it always makes me think of those days. In the 80s I was in another band and we did a Beatles stage show and we became like brothers. I recently found out that our Ringo has terminal lung cancer, and the other three of us are going to see him in palliative care so that the four band member can be in the same room again for one last time. He ain't heavy he's our brother.
Listening to this when I was very young in England it never occurred to me to think of the words in the literal sense. Everyone were 'brothers' back then. It was also the time of the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland, and the Vietnam war, and the song to me seemed to epitomize how soldiers felt about each other and considered themselves brothers with each other. It was just an everyday phrase. Finding out the inspiration for this song was Boys Town really solidified my understanding of the meaning of the words. This verse particularly:
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
I wish we could all find this love today for one another.
This song is about father Flanagan's boys Town and their logo is
"He ain't heavy, He's My brother" and it shows a big brother piggybacking his younger brother that has polio in his legs and carrying his crutches. Because his brother's legs and back gets so tired for trying to walk any long-distance.
Unity and cooperation among all people is the meaning of Brotherhood Of Man what I believe is the meaning behind these lyrics by the Hollies. Had me in tears in the 1970s as a child.
We must stand by and lift each other up. The righteous will defeat the evil in the world. As long as we stand up for each other and what is good in this world.
A powerful message in a beautiful song.
This old world could sure use a lot more songs like this.
One must also consider the time in which this song was recorded and released. It's about more than just familial relationships, it's also about how we are all brothers and sisters, and about how we treat each other, and how ready we are to help carry anyone that is struggling in real time.
Thank you Sebs. My older brother and I are in our older years now, and he is suffering from several major medical conditions. He has always been a rock for me but we were never the hugging emotional family until now. I recently sent him a letter telling him how much I have looked up to him and before it's too late I said I Love you brother to which he genuinely thanked me. This song just brings it all back.
Very meaningful during the Viet Nam war era- adopted by soldiers as an anthem
Yeah that’s what I was trying to say!
He one of best vocalist in recording history he’s one of the chosen one ☝️ great lives singers😊
The Expression "He ain't heavy. He's my Brother. Comes out of Father Flanagan's Boys Town Orphanage from the 1930s. Some kid carrying a boy on his back was asked by The Philanthropic priest. "Isn't he heavy? The Boy told the Priest, "He ain't Heavy. He's My Brother.." The Expression is on a statue of the boys out in front of Boy's Town to this day.
Isnt it just such a beautiful song.. and so very emotional & moving. Gives you chills cos it makes you think about your family and friends. ❤
They were a soft rock or pop group. Of all those British Invasion groups, they were one of the longest lasting, having hits into the Seventies and 1980. They had a long string of Top Ten Hits including two more #1 hits “The Air That I Breathe”, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” and my sister’s favorite, the top ten hit “Bus Stop”. Graham Nash began with The Hollies before joining Buffalo Springfield. He was the “N” in CSN&Y (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young”).
I met the Hollies when I worked as a florist for a time in Manchester (uk) They were recording at the Granada studios just down the road..Always loved them a very underestimated band ...I am the youngest of five as well
My brother who was battling cancer came to live with me the last 7 months of his life - I wouldn't trade it for anything ❤ This song is reminding me of our time spent together before he left us 😢 It was hard and demanding, but he was my brother and I would do it again - miss you Randy 💔
😢😢😢im sorry for your loss prayers for you 🙏🙏🙏🙏
He's an angel 😇 now..may he rip Amen 🙏
My favorite line in the song And the load doesn't weigh me down at all he aint heavy he's my brother. I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters and we were raised as ONE....❤💯
This song was a hit when I was about 12 or 13, and it's always pulled strongly at my heart strings and at 68 still brings tears to my eyes.
Know what you mean. I´m born in 57.
And in 2024 its good to remember this Song.
I had this song played during my baby brother’s memorial serving! I am the only sibling he acknowledged on his social pages. The brother just older than Chris is the last sibling to see Chris before his death. The others were sooo critical of him. Please see this as an indication that we all have flaws and no one is helped by judgment.
I could call him anytime and his response was “I’ll be right there, sis.” He was!
I have been a fan of this song and The Hollies since the mid 60’s. Their harmonies were the best. Graham Nash was part of them for many years then left to join Crosby Stills Nash & Young.
He ain't heavy ,he's my brother ,was the Slogan for a place Called Father Flanagans Boys Town ! For homeless boys !
I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing.
We're all brothers, Sebs. You're my brother and I'm yours. We all need a helping hand now and then, and this song tells us why we should remember that. I am so happy that you're learning about music like this, and I love your reaction videos.
The song was written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, their only collaboration as songwriters. Russell was dying of cancer at the time and his lyrics for this song would be the last he ever wrote. The origin of the phrase is unknown, but it did appear as the title of an article in Kiwanis magazine in 1924 and then later became the motto for Father Flanagan’s Boy’s Town in the 1940s.
"I Started a Joke" Bee Gees. Beautiful ❤
This song always brings me to tears. I come from a family of 9 plus one adopted. 8 boys and two girls. We used to be very close, but as we aged, I'm now 68, we've drifted apart and we rarely see each other and the sad part is we all live fairly close in the RI. I'm the 7th in line. I recently had 2 of my brothers pass in as many years. All I can say to everyone, is hold on tight and let the little things go because you don't want to be where my family is now. It breaks my heart because at this age your family is so important. Thanks for this video Seb.
Great song... The Osmonds and their sister Marie often sang this song on their TV shows. Their 2 oldest brothers were deaf, and they've had many trials.
LOVE the Osmond brothers singing this song!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
This song debuted during the Viet Nam War, I was at University as many of my friends were called by the Draft. The sadness we shared as they left university to face the unknown was deep.
It is an especially significant song for those who faced the battlefield. The expression "blood is thicker than water" actually means the opposite of how we use it. The blood of the battlefield is thicker than the water of the womb. The constant feeling that death is all around you, makes your military relationships very close. Often lasting forever...you become "brothers in arms".
This is why this song hits many of us emotionally, we all have our own experiences with difficulties, tragedies and profound loss, it is the depths of our relationships that make our lives bearable...I'm glad that the mysterious RUclips algorithm brought you to me Sebs!
This reminds me of my friend who spent years trying to save his son from drugs and dealers, even getting his home attacked.His son hanged himself.About a year later he did the same. Rest in peace Nev, he loved this song We listened as 15 yr olds.
😥😥😥😥😥😥
😢😢😢😢😢😢im sorry for your loss prayers sent for your healing ❤
This was, used as the backing music for Terry fox who had a leg amputation due to cancer but with an artificial ran across Canada but tragically got cancer again before he could finish a gorgeous song with a lot of meaning to a lot of people ❤ what a song
I fell in the bathtub and cut my Achilles tendon on a bic razor almost all the way through & my brother ran into the bathroom with towels to cover me and soak up the blood & carried me to the car so my mom could take me to the doctors to sew 56 stitches 3 layers deep. Thanx bro!
When I was a kid we used to sing he ain't heavy, he's my drummer.
The Hollies is one of many groups I listened to during my high school days. A beautiful song that carries a great meaning. They don't have music like this anymore. I grew up during a time when there are some great groups and great music. Great memories from my past.
God bless you for taking on the "burden" of caring for your brothers, but this song goes deeper. This goes to how we are all brothers and sisters and we should take their well as our burden. It's the same theory as taking a village to raise children. My husband and I have been a soft place to land for the couple dozen kids who slipped through the cracks. We don't lock our front door in case someone needs a warm place to sleep for the night. Some are with us a day, some a couple weeks, some stay in our family through adulthood. Folks frequently tell us it's a great thing we're doing. My husband always says, "It's nothing special. I've always wondered why more folks don't do what we do."
This has been one my all time favorites fort many years. Always hits home when I hear it.