@@Great-Documentaries if you are trying two reduce the meaning of the song to particular relationships and not about solidarity towards others then then how do you account for the lyrics: “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”. The two aren’t incompatible.
*You have no idea how meaningful this song was to our young men serving in the Vietnam War in 1969. They were sent far from home, became brothers, then watched many of them lose their lives in horrible ways right in front of them at such a young age. Heartbreaking.*
As you say, heartbreaking. I'm a veteran too, lost a great friend in that war. Only now do I realise what 'friendships' really mean. Thanks for your comments.
Indeed Ken Bickniel. I was a child but remember very well how Our Men coming home being Spat on, and called Baby Killers. Now I'm grown and have know a Lot of Vietnam Vets. I also used to ride with the Vietnam Vets MC. I honestly believe that was one of the most horrible Wars our Country has ever been involved in. Rivals Hitler and the Holocaust. Absolutely 💯 sickening. If You ate today, Thank a Farmer or Rancher. If You ate in Peace Today, Thank a Vet. I also had Family that served in every War we've ever fought. Vietnam Nam seemed to be more evil. Well said. God Bless and Keep You and Yours Safe n Well. 🙏 Much Respect from California Kat ❤
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.
We kids of the 60's didn't know how lucky and blessed we were to be growing up surrounded by so much great music. Thank you youngsters of today for bringing it back home; and reminding us that great art is timeless.
I agree. I miss my little brother so much. He's still alive but something went wrong and he's doing life in prison. We weren't raised in a safe home. Our father passed in 76. I was 3 and was 2. Our mother was very young and made many mistakes with the men she let into our lives. I will never leave him alone. I fully mean to be there to pick him up in 2048. Everytime I have to leave him there after a visit,it feels as though my heart has ripped out again.
the "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" is on a statue in Neb.'s Boy's Town. The story goes that the older boys were carrying a boy with polio and leg braces. When Father Flanigan ask if it was hard to do that, one boy replied "He ain't heavy, he's my brother. That is probably the most well know use of that saying, until the record was made.
@@461vageta Instead of being a jerk and laughing at someone, why don't you just try being a decent human being, and comment how the song really came to be.
@@461vageta There´s no "true meaning" in art because meaning is subjective. Artists can have conscious intentions with a piece of art, but an art piece can be interpretated in many ways. That´s one of the beauties of art, the ambiguity, the metaphors, the different impressions between people, time and space. Imagine looking at a landscape, and the person next to you tells you: "The true meaning of this landscape is that the sun represents that there´s always a new day and the tree tops represents possibilites". I´d say, that´s not for him/her to decide for you.
I just lost my handicapped brother this past November. This was our song. First time I listened to it since he passed. The tears are flowing!! I needed to hear this. RIP Skilly Moe - love you forever bro.
I feel your pain. My brother had Muscular Dystrophy and passed in "99. The time has passed but the pain lingers for me. I find peace knowing his pain is gone and I pray you find peace as well in you own way in your own time.
you have the lyrics right but Clarke sang them wrong in this video..sang sadness again instead of gladness..unfortunately ruins this version for me..still top 5 of my life hits
17 and 18 year olds sent across the ocean to fight a war nobody wanted. Trained guerrilla fighters against our young men. If you visit the wall in WashingtonDC and see all the names of men and women listed 58,000 to be exact it will hit home and leave heartbroken. On this Memorial Day I salute all veterans of all wars. 🇺🇸
💯 concur. It was bad enough to lose our cousins and our uncles back in the seventies but I just lost my bro if it's the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life. Who is my best friend.
Yes, Mike, I am 68 years old and lived through the deaths of JFK, Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, MLK, Robert Kennedy, racial discord, the Viet Nam war all within 10 years of each other, changed the USA towards for fifty years. But we have regressed to not considering individuals as “brothers” but rather “others”. The Hollies were a member of the generation that brotherhood was only achieved without judgment. Thanks Jordan and Amber for the wonderful songs you play.
My brother worked for the Hollies for years on the road and they were great to him, even offered to play at his wedding for free! They really treat their road crew like family!
My brother, who was 10 years older than I, sang this to me as a child. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 49, I was 39, I would sing this to him, especially everyday in those last days. This song will always be special to me AND my brother. Thank you for doing this reaction. You get it!
Man that's tough 💔 I lost both my parents to pancreatic cancer just over a year apart. This song brings me to tears every time. Such a meaningful message. 💞
This song reminds me of my youngest Brother , he's gone now but every time I hear this song it brings tears to my eyes !! I never had a chance to say I love you Freddy before you passed !! I Love you Freddy & miss you
This was written during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's when artist were teaching us lessons about loving one another and that nothing should seperate us, and that it didn't matter what color we were or what we as humans picked as a lifestyle, we were free. Today, it's reversing, all the work that was put into bringing us together, exchanging it for seperation and accusation, from a false narritive that benefits only those in power. It breaks my heart to see society once again aiming to divide and hate and rejecting love and togetherness. We are One!!!
Your words are so true. I'll leave it at that, but not before saying respect, decency, and civility are/were things I took for granted... Blessings to everyone who lives the lyrics.
I have lost three brothers in my 64 years, two were my baby brothers. This song is special to me because they had troubles at the end of their young lives but they were not too heavy to carry, they were my brothers 💜
Early memories of The Hollies.... Bus Stop, Carrie Anne or On a Carousel. Beautiful blend of voices. The British Bands in the 60's dominated the charts and seemed to have new groups for us endlessly. What a time to be a teenager. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada. ❤❤ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
This song is taken from a story from Boys Town, run by Father Edward Flanagan, who asked a resident boy if the smaller boy he was carrying wasn't heavy. "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother," even though he wasn't, it was another boy living there who had polio and was often carried by the bigger boys.
Sorry but that is an old wives tale, the story was taken from the book The Parables of Jesus written by a Scottish Presbyterian minister in Scotland in the late 19th century. It was a young girl who refused help from the Minister and said "he's not heavy he's my brother ". You'll find the whole story on Wikipedia.
@@edprzydatek8398 Oh dear! My intent was not to deny the existence of "Boys Town" or even that the phrase in question is written upon a statue there, the "Old Wives Tale" I refer to is the origin of the phrase, it was in fact lifted from the book The Parables of Jesus, the original phrase referred to a young girl carrying her brother home. So please understand I don't denigrate the good works performed at Boys Town, but I do take exception to invented and embellished tales surrounding the phrase, sadly misleading information provided by one person gets exaggerated and passed on...and so on. There is no need for anyone to invent a story when the original is just as powerful.
@@robk5159 Well said and you clearly know more about the Bible than I do. I understand what you're saying. Stories get passed around and become accepted as legend or truth. People embellish them. What I'm thinking is that the boy said that to Father Flanagan (or someone else) and he wasn't knowingly quoting the Bible. It just came out and it's really pretty profound. I can picture it. It's the way kids talk. Anyway, we were very impressed when visiting there and try to send them a few bucks from time to time. I'm glad you took the time to further explain your comment.
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" refers to the 1950's Boy's Town in Nebraska - every Christmas they would send out contribution envelopes with approx. 50 of their stamps showing one boy carrying another and having the inscription, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother."
This song always brings a tear to my eyes, it reminds me of how in the military especially the Marine's they all have the motto No Brother Left Behind, in my mind I can see soldiers and Marine's carrying a wounded "brother" on their shoulders carrying them to safety. I'm from a long line of military people, even now I have 2 grandson's that are Marine's, one is here stateside the middle one is in Frankfurt, Germany right now. It was a beautiful song, and it still is today.
It's about peace, caring for others: "his welfare is my concern"... Such an anthem for our time, when it seems people are so often only concerned with themselves. Loved your reaction, as always. Peace and love!
They had a great career with many many hits. Graham Nash (of Crosby Stills Nash and Young) was an original member. This song came after Nash left the group. Nash famously (and comically) commented, "They've got a lot of nerve to have a huge hit WITHOUT me" 😂
@@jazzyboy7784 Nobody was saying anything about Nash. The point was that some folk wrote off the Hollies when he them, but they obviously had enough talent to continue having hits once he was gone.
@@Dreyno The analogy makes no sense at all since Best was never on any hits. Graham was so why even bring this up? People seem to be veering off topic.
This song reminds me of my dad who was a corpsman(medic) on the front lines in Vietnam, he stressed how all they had was each other and how strong the brotherhood was within your platoon, this song was big during Vietnam, he is still in contact with some of the remaining marines from his platoon 50 years on. It means a lot to see people appreciating the message of this song years on, thank you for your wonderful reaction.
My dad was a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam and occasionally talked about the same things you mention. He cared about "his" Marines and his other Corpsmen. Unfortunately, we lost him due to Agent Orange exposure when I was just 17. I have SO many questions that I would ask him since then, but that time has past. I went on to join the Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman myself, doing a couple of tours with the Marines before retiring. I get it, dad. Peace to all of you.
So sorry to hear about losing your dad like that. I am sure he would be deeply proud of you and what a testament that you followed in his footsteps.@@JoelWelter
My uncle was a corpsman in 'nam. He would not talk about it much. He developed sores on his arms from the residual agent orange contact. He did relate one story about dual wielding injection guns going down a line of soldiers to get it done faster. I remember getting stuck in the snow dropping him off at Fort Dix. I was a toddler, but I remember it.
I don't believe it is that specific. It is more about life in general and being there for your "brother". As I recall those words were first spoken to Father Flanigan by a young boy who was actually carrying his brother on his back when they arrived at Boys Town.
It's about whatever brother or "brother" that anyone means it to be about. I could definitely see it being about veterans. I thought it was about them, too.
My father a United States Navy. Passed away a couple October’s ago. My father was in country Vietnam from 1971-1973 on an oil ship. This song gets me teared up every time. I helped carry my papa, Nonno and my father whom all fought and served(both my granddads and uncle fought multiple tours in Korea) them all when they where laid to rest. It was beyond and honor to that for them after all they did for me. I miss you guys, rest easy in heaven and save a spot for me. God bless. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
This song is about the brotherhood of man. "He" is the all inclusive He ain't heavy, he's my brother...and so on we go. Its a poetic way of saying "I feel we are all in this thing called life together"
Smh…it’s from a boys home…a disabled kid who had big steel leg braces was always being carried around by one of the other boys…when the Father(was an Irish Catholic) said to the boy, “ isn’t he heavy?”…boy replied, “he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother “
So glad you really liked 'He Ain't Heavy,' one of the best of the Hollies ballads. You're right about Allan Clarke's soaring voice. They had a bunch of hits, but if you liked this one, try 'The Air That I Breathe.' Keep up your wonderful efforts on all of our behalf.
I served in the British Army for many years as a combat medic seeing many things that should not be seen on one tour I was injured recovering a wounded friend when fit enough I visited him in hospital he played this ever since I'm in tears remembering the ones I could not save
@@rossdownes4240 have you seen Paul Anka sing "Put your Head On My Shoulder" to a group of girls and brings one up in stage? He does it again 55 years later and the woman looks very similar to that young crying girl. Put Your Head on My Shoulders•Paul Anka 1962 ruclips.net/video/z5xzP0PNnts/видео.html 2019 ruclips.net/video/CK0r737fb-k/видео.html
I'm a 59 year old metal head and I've heard this song a million times but never paid much attention to it. Wow! Great lead vocals and backing vocals. Almost 60 and finding a new - old band. Thank you. Love you both. You balance each other so well in your opinions and personalities.
The Hollies had so many super hits! Another great hit is "T'he Air that I breathe" The Lead electric guitar in this one is the instrumental star of the show!
A masterpiece of music. Combined with Lennon's "Imagine" and you feel the different vibe at the time these songs were important. They still are. All it takes is our hearts and will to remake this world.
Great song. The Air that I Breathe by Hollies will also get you in the feels. PLUS my regular plea for YEAR OF THE CAT (Al Stewart) - you guys will love it
@@carollandrum9223 The ones I follow besides Amber and Jordan have ALL reacted to it already, and unsurprisingly, all were blown away. Hoping Rob Squad gives it a go soon!
A dear friend of mine was always really close to her brother, they always had each other's backs, through everything. When she lost him 2 years ago to complications from diabetes, she had this song played at his funeral. Such a meaningful, touching song.
I've been a volunteer Firefighter for 37 years, this song was always played at our annual fundraiser dance, the meaning of friends and brotherhood, the dance floor is always full of slow dancers, this song will always mean alot to me.
Back in the day, when this song came out, at the high school dances, most kids sat this one out, due to its tempo of between a fast and slow dance, and we just listened to the heavy message...some of us cried.
Such an amazing song from the Hollies, they were really incredible from the early 60's until the early 70's. Brilliant. Sensational singing, loved the harmonica too! 💖💖💖
Somebody just mentioned reflections of my life by marmalade. That song never goes away! People remember that so deeply in their hearts. You need to experience it for yourselves
This is definitely one of the most beautiful songs by The Hollies! I never suggest a live recording for a first reaction to a song, but this is just unbelievably good!
So glad you got back to the Hollies finally, I'm a huge fan! Agreeing with everyone else that 'The Air That I Breathe' is the one you need to hit up next because alongside 'He Ain't Heavy', it's a signature Hollies song. It isn't evident in this song or Long Cool Woman, but they were known for impeccable three-part harmonies (especially in the 1960s). Please consider checking out 'Magic Woman Touch' - different lead singer but a gorgeous song and one that shows off their beautiful harmonies. And their 60s discog can take a while to sift through! I'd strongly recommend 'Bus Stop', 'Stop Stop Stop', 'On a Carousel', 'Just One Look', 'Carrie Anne'... and that's me cherry-picking! Can't go wrong with the Hollies, really. I truly treasure their sound.
"He Ain't Heavy" (1969) really is such a magical song. A standout from that era, along with "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (1970). People at the time felt a unity and a need to help one another. It was the era of Civil Rights, the war on poverty, green movements (like Clean Air Act, EPA), the Peace Corps, renewed spirituality, and many co-operative efforts. It was the era of man stepping on the moon, and the Beatles singing "All You Need is Love" on satellite broadcast around the world.
Yes. He Ain’t Heavy, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Lean On Me, all have similar messages of hope and brotherhood. This could be a sad song but it reminds us that on the one-way road of life that we all travel we don’t have to journey alone and we can help each other.
I've always loved this song, such a wonderful and much-needed reminder of how we should take care of one another as a society, and see each other as something to love, not a burden but an opportunity and a joy to share and help.
One can close their eyes and just listen... Or, sing it loud and proud with your friends as humans making our way through life... (Deep... huh? :) It is a great sing along song that gets you right in the feels. Love it!
The Hollies were a great band in the '60s and early '70s. Check out The Air That I Breathe, On A Carousel, Bus Stop, Carrie Ann and Long Cool Woman. All are excellent!
This is a great. I love it as well. Makes me teary eyed. I always look at it as if we all helped each other out then life would be easier and great to be giving and loving of each other. Nothing is too hard or"heavy" to help your fellow man. Great reaction ☺
@@Wordsmyth8 He did a lot of uncredited session work, so it’s hard to track down, but he’s mentioned this one in interviews as well as Tom Jones’s “Delilah”!
I love this song, it’s a classic! The meaning is so beautiful and makes me sad for people who don’t have someone to love them this way! This is love!❤️❤️
I dont care how many times i hear this song it takes me back my sister’s friend brother drowned in the lake they played this song on their brothers last journey
Such a masterpiece: given the epic theme, accomplished with clarity and brevity and without preaching. As a nine-year-old I really liked this song when it was on the hit parade back in 1969, the year of the Apollo 11 moon landing. And now I simply love it. Peace.
My favorite of The Hollies. Way more than just friendship. It's just being their for your fellowman regardless if you know them or not. This is great live but the official audio is really more powerful.
Lots of tunes from the Hollies. My favorite album is "Distant Light" released in October 1971. Big hit from that album is "Long Cool Woman (in a black dress)" peaking at #2 in the summer of '72.
I don't know if others have suggested this much, but my favorite Hollies song is "Bus Stop" It's such a lovely story with great harmonies. I hope you get to it some time.
In the 1940s, the words, adapted as "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother", were taken as a slogan for Boys Town children's home by founder Father Edward Flanagan.[3] According to the Boys Town website, the phrase as used by Boys Town was said to Fr. Flanagan in 1918 by one of the residents while carrying another up a set of stairs. The boy being carried is said to have had polio and worn leg braces.[4]
My best friend used to sing this song at Karaoke and he was awesome singing it. He battled depression and he lost his life in 2017 and this song brings him back to me.
One of my favorite groups of all time. They are still playing venues, albeit with a different line up. Allan Clarke had one of the most memorable vocals in rock. The group was famous for their 3 part harmonies, as a few other groups were like the Bee Gees. This song was one of the few masterpiece songs that became a hit twice for the same group, as The Hollies re-released the song in 1988 and was again a major hit. The song was based on old cliche styled 'memes' that had utilized the song title for various endeavors, most notably for BoysTown in the 1940's.
When I hear this song, I think of my brother, who was suffering from mental illness nearly all his life. Each of us siblings helped him to various degrees before he took his own life 7 years ago. I think of this song, because he wasn’t heavy, even though he always seemed to be in need. He was sweet and, even though he was a loner during family get togethers, he loved to bear hug you hello and keep his rare conversations light-hearted. Sometimes people feel heavy, even when you love them, because they act heavy. My brother wasn’t heavy. He was my brother.
The Hollies were huge in the UK back in the 60's and 70's. They had several No.1 records. They were often regarded as the kings of harmonizing. They are still touring today..... He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother has charted several times in the decades since it was first released.....
The song is not just about your friends. It is about your concern for the welfare of your fellow man.
A brotherhood of man. 🙌
Exactly
Yes. It's about the people you won't ever meet who can't make it on their own.
Love your reaction...I finally understand the meaning of the song, thanks Jay and Amber!
@@Great-Documentaries if you are trying two reduce the meaning of the song to particular relationships and not about solidarity towards others then then how do you account for the lyrics: “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”. The two aren’t incompatible.
*You have no idea how meaningful this song was to our young men serving in the Vietnam War in 1969. They were sent far from home, became brothers, then watched many of them lose their lives in horrible ways right in front of them at such a young age. Heartbreaking.*
and those who came home were forever changed
😢☮️👍🏻
As you say, heartbreaking. I'm a veteran too, lost a great friend in that war. Only now do I realise what 'friendships' really mean. Thanks for your comments.
@@davecleggett9371 Thank You for your service.🥰
Indeed Ken Bickniel. I was a child but remember very well how Our Men coming home being Spat on, and called Baby Killers. Now I'm grown and have know a Lot of Vietnam Vets. I also used to ride with the Vietnam Vets MC. I honestly believe that was one of the most horrible Wars our Country has ever been involved in. Rivals Hitler and the Holocaust. Absolutely 💯 sickening. If You ate today, Thank a Farmer or Rancher. If You ate in Peace Today, Thank a Vet. I also had Family that served in every War we've ever fought. Vietnam Nam seemed to be more evil. Well said. God Bless and Keep You and Yours Safe n Well. 🙏 Much Respect from California Kat ❤
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.
😢 Sorry for your loss .
So sad! God bless you! You will meet up with your brother someday.
We kids of the 60's didn't know how lucky and blessed we were to be growing up surrounded by so much great music. Thank you youngsters of today for bringing it back home; and reminding us that great art is timeless.
Ikr ❤
I agree. I miss my little brother so much. He's still alive but something went wrong and he's doing life in prison. We weren't raised in a safe home. Our father passed in 76. I was 3 and was 2. Our mother was very young and made many mistakes with the men she let into our lives. I will never leave him alone. I fully mean to be there to pick him up in 2048. Everytime I have to leave him there after a visit,it feels as though my heart has ripped out again.
@@sharon25519 So sorry to hear about your brother. But he is lucky to have a good sister like you.
You two got it immediately. Other reviewers don't get it. The age this came out we cared about others. Vietnam was going on. Thank you you Got it.
@@sharon25519keep strong buddy, I know what you're going through ♥️🙏✌️😎
the "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" is on a statue in Neb.'s Boy's Town. The story goes that the older boys were carrying a boy with polio and leg braces. When Father Flanigan ask if it was hard to do that, one boy replied "He ain't heavy, he's my brother. That is probably the most well know use of that saying, until the record was made.
Love this.
OMG HAHAHAHAHAHA Pulled that fable huh?
@@461vageta Instead of being a jerk and laughing at someone, why don't you just try being a decent human being, and comment how the song really came to be.
The song took on extra meaning due to its release during the Vietnam War. 💕
One of my oldest friends talks about loving the movie Boys Town and the story about it.
I find this song to be more about striving for world peace. If everyone cared for one another the load wouldn’t be so heavy.
That's the TRUE meaning, not the father fable. Stories people conjure all over a quote.
@@461vageta The two interpretations aren't incompatible. The saying lends itself to deeper implications.
So true. If everybody cared for somebody else, everybody would be cared for.
That’ll only happen when Jesus Christ returns
@@461vageta There´s no "true meaning" in art because meaning is subjective. Artists can have conscious intentions with a piece of art, but an art piece can be interpretated in many ways. That´s one of the beauties of art, the ambiguity, the metaphors, the different impressions between people, time and space. Imagine looking at a landscape, and the person next to you tells you: "The true meaning of this landscape is that the sun represents that there´s always a new day and the tree tops represents possibilites". I´d say, that´s not for him/her to decide for you.
I just lost my handicapped brother this past November. This was our song. First time I listened to it since he passed. The tears are flowing!! I needed to hear this. RIP Skilly Moe - love you forever bro.
I feel your pain. My brother had Muscular Dystrophy and passed in "99. The time has passed but the pain lingers for me. I find peace knowing his pain is gone and I pray you find peace as well in you own way in your own time.
Peace and Heavenly blessings to you and your brother's soul
So sorry for your loss 🙏🙏💗💗
Good man wish you all the best
I am so sorry. My condolences. May God heal the broken places in your heart and bring you comfort and peace. ❤🩹
If this doesn’t bring a tear to your eyes then you haven’t really heard this song.
If I'm leanin' at all, I'm leanin'...
No auto tune, no effects at all on a live vocal .. that’s how you sing kiddies.
"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 was surprised he messed that line up. But, what a pro. He just kept singing.
you have the lyrics right but Clarke sang them wrong in this video..sang sadness again instead of gladness..unfortunately ruins this version for me..still top 5 of my life hits
@@michellecasey5752 Ooh, I hadn't noticed a mess-up, I just love that verse :~)
That mistake couldn't happen today, because today's artists would be lip syncing to a recorded version.
I burst into tears every time I hear these lyrics! Vocals are so PURE! 💓
17 and 18 year olds sent across the ocean to fight a war nobody wanted. Trained guerrilla fighters against our young men. If you visit the wall in WashingtonDC and see all the names of men and women listed 58,000 to be exact it will hit home and leave heartbroken. On this Memorial Day I salute all veterans of all wars. 🇺🇸
My dad came home in 71. We were all there when his plane landed. People threw rocks at him.
💯 concur. It was bad enough to lose our cousins and our uncles back in the seventies but I just lost my bro if it's the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life. Who is my best friend.
I cry whenever I hear this song because it takes me back to being a pallbearer at my brothers funeral. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.
I think this song goes beyond friendships to humankind and our responsibility to care for each other.
@Lawrence Carver Today? I guess you missed the last 10,000 years of human conflict....lol
@Lawrence Carver I think recorded history only goes back to the 4th millennium BC, so that should make it a little easier for you....
Yes, Mike, I am 68 years old and lived through the deaths of JFK, Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, MLK, Robert Kennedy, racial discord, the Viet Nam war all within 10 years of each other, changed the USA towards for fifty years. But we have regressed to not considering individuals as “brothers” but rather “others”. The Hollies were a member of the generation that brotherhood was only achieved without judgment. Thanks Jordan and Amber for the wonderful songs you play.
@@nancy9891 I’m 62. There was a lot of promise back then, but it didn’t last.
@@mikelogan5629 So sad and now the genocide in Ukraine.
One of the greatest songs ever written and sung so well by the Hollies. It’s meaning transcends time
And, before autotune
Not written by them
My brother worked for the Hollies for years on the road and they were great to him, even offered to play at his wedding for free! They really treat their road crew like family!
I hope he took them up on their offer!
how neat
My brother, who was 10 years older than I, sang this to me as a child. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 49, I was 39, I would sing this to him, especially everyday in those last days.
This song will always be special to me AND my brother.
Thank you for doing this reaction. You get it!
God bless!
Man that's tough 💔 I lost both my parents to pancreatic cancer just over a year apart. This song brings me to tears every time. Such a meaningful message. 💞
I truly feel your pain
This song reminds me of my youngest Brother , he's gone now but every time I hear this song it brings tears to my eyes !! I never had a chance to say I love you Freddy before you passed !! I Love you Freddy & miss you
Oh the Hollies are wonderful. Bus Stop, Carrie Ann, The Air That I Breathe.
Bus Stop and Carrie Ann are my favorites.
Stop, stop, stop
Agreed!
This...and add Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.
Carrie Ann is about Marianne Faithful!
When I was in the military in the 70's this was a theme we lived by. Great, great song!
He ain't heavy he's my shipmate. Go Navy
This was written during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's when artist were teaching us lessons about loving one another and that nothing should seperate us, and that it didn't matter what color we were or what we as humans picked as a lifestyle, we were free. Today, it's reversing, all the work that was put into bringing us together, exchanging it for seperation and accusation, from a false narritive that benefits only those in power. It breaks my heart to see society once again aiming to divide and hate and rejecting love and togetherness. We are One!!!
Your words are so true. I'll leave it at that, but not before saying respect, decency, and civility are/were things I took for granted... Blessings to everyone who lives the lyrics.
I am convinced that if we had more songs like this now the world would be a better place.
I have lost three brothers in my 64 years, two were my baby brothers. This song is special to me because they had troubles at the end of their young lives but they were not too heavy to carry, they were my brothers 💜
Early memories of The Hollies.... Bus Stop, Carrie Anne or On a Carousel. Beautiful blend of voices.
The British Bands in the 60's dominated the charts and seemed to have new groups for us endlessly.
What a time to be a teenager.
Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada. ❤❤ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
All great suggestions! I also love "Stop! Stop! Stop!" Really fun song!
Yes, "Bus Stop"!
Let's not for forget Graham Nash on the early records of the Hollies !!!
@@jeggy7447 my brother in law worked for CS&N and sometimes Y for many years, Graham Nash is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet ❤
Love Carrie Anne
"The Air that I Breathe" is another great Hollies ballad. "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" is a Hollies MUST!!!
Possibly the best song ever written. Simply beautiful in every way.
This song is taken from a story from Boys Town, run by Father Edward Flanagan, who asked a resident boy if the smaller boy he was carrying wasn't heavy. "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother," even though he wasn't, it was another boy living there who had polio and was often carried by the bigger boys.
Sorry but that is an old wives tale, the story was taken from the book The Parables of Jesus written by a Scottish Presbyterian minister in Scotland in the late 19th century. It was a young girl who refused help from the Minister and said "he's not heavy he's my brother ". You'll find the whole story on Wikipedia.
@@robk5159 Have you been to Boy's Town? I have. It's not a "wife's tale".
@@edprzydatek8398 Oh dear! My intent was not to deny the existence of "Boys Town" or even that the phrase in question is written upon a statue there, the "Old Wives Tale" I refer to is the origin of the phrase, it was in fact lifted from the book The Parables of Jesus, the original phrase referred to a young girl carrying her brother home. So please understand I don't denigrate the good works performed at Boys Town, but I do take exception to invented and embellished tales surrounding the phrase, sadly misleading information provided by one person gets exaggerated and passed on...and so on. There is no need for anyone to invent a story when the original is just as powerful.
@@robk5159 Well said and you clearly know more about the Bible than I do. I understand what you're saying. Stories get passed around and become accepted as legend or truth. People embellish them. What I'm thinking is that the boy said that to Father Flanagan (or someone else) and he wasn't knowingly quoting the Bible. It just came out and it's really pretty profound. I can picture it. It's the way kids talk. Anyway, we were very impressed when visiting there and try to send them a few bucks from time to time. I'm glad you took the time to further explain your comment.
"The Air That I breath" is another beautifully Hollies song.
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" refers to the 1950's Boy's Town in Nebraska - every Christmas they would send out contribution envelopes with approx. 50 of their stamps showing one boy carrying another and having the inscription, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother."
This song always brings a tear to my eyes, it reminds me of how in the military especially the Marine's they all have the motto No Brother Left Behind, in my mind I can see soldiers and Marine's carrying a wounded "brother" on their shoulders carrying them to safety. I'm from a long line of military people, even now I have 2 grandson's that are Marine's, one is here stateside the middle one is in Frankfurt, Germany right now. It was a beautiful song, and it still is today.
It's about peace, caring for others: "his welfare is my concern"... Such an anthem for our time, when it seems people are so often only concerned with themselves. Loved your reaction, as always. Peace and love!
🥺❤️
They had a great career with many many hits. Graham Nash (of Crosby Stills Nash and Young) was an original member. This song came after Nash left the group. Nash famously (and comically) commented, "They've got a lot of nerve to have a huge hit WITHOUT me" 😂
They actually had a number of hits besides this one, without Nash, Air That I Breathe, Long Cool Woman, even more in England.
Haha...I think Ghram Nash has done just fine...
@@jazzyboy7784 Yeah. It’s not exactly like he’s Pete Best 😄
@@jazzyboy7784 Nobody was saying anything about Nash. The point was that some folk wrote off the Hollies when he them, but they obviously had enough talent to continue having hits once he was gone.
@@Dreyno The analogy makes no sense at all since Best was never on any hits. Graham was so why even bring this up? People seem to be veering off topic.
One of the greatest songs of all time!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍
This song reminds me of my dad who was a corpsman(medic) on the front lines in Vietnam, he stressed how all they had was each other and how strong the brotherhood was within your platoon, this song was big during Vietnam, he is still in contact with some of the remaining marines from his platoon 50 years on. It means a lot to see people appreciating the message of this song years on, thank you for your wonderful reaction.
In the armed forces you always make fun of other units. But no one makes fun of Medics or Corpsman.
My dad was a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam and occasionally talked about the same things you mention. He cared about "his" Marines and his other Corpsmen. Unfortunately, we lost him due to Agent Orange exposure when I was just 17. I have SO many questions that I would ask him since then, but that time has past. I went on to join the Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman myself, doing a couple of tours with the Marines before retiring. I get it, dad. Peace to all of you.
So sorry to hear about losing your dad like that. I am sure he would be deeply proud of you and what a testament that you followed in his footsteps.@@JoelWelter
My uncle was a corpsman in 'nam. He would not talk about it much. He developed sores on his arms from the residual agent orange contact. He did relate one story about dual wielding injection guns going down a line of soldiers to get it done faster. I remember getting stuck in the snow dropping him off at Fort Dix. I was a toddler, but I remember it.
I believe this song is about a Vietnam soldier carrying his wounded “brother” soldier out of the jungle.
I don't believe it is that specific. It is more about life in general and being there for your "brother". As I recall those words were first spoken to Father Flanigan by a young boy who was actually carrying his brother on his back when they arrived at Boys Town.
It's about whatever brother or "brother" that anyone means it to be about. I could definitely see it being about veterans. I thought it was about them, too.
Another great ballad like this from this period was "Reflections of My Life" by Marmalade. Same great vibe.
Absolutely. They were a great group too!!
The best one I've seen is the live performance on the BBC 1970
Love reflections of my life by the Marmalades...beautiful song!!!!!
Yes, reflections of my life is a very good song and this reminded me of it also
Oh yes. I've left instructions that Reflections of My Life be played at my memorial.
My father a United States Navy. Passed away a couple October’s ago. My father was in country Vietnam from 1971-1973 on an oil ship. This song gets me teared up every time. I helped carry my papa, Nonno and my father whom all fought and served(both my granddads and uncle fought multiple tours in Korea) them all when they where laid to rest. It was beyond and honor to that for them after all they did for me. I miss you guys, rest easy in heaven and save a spot for me. God bless. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
I was blessed to grow up in the 60's and 70's. I'm 66 now and enjoy watching younger fans enjoying the music I grew up with.
This song is about the brotherhood of man. "He" is the all inclusive He ain't heavy, he's my brother...and so on we go. Its a poetic way of saying "I feel we are all in this thing called life together"
Smh…it’s from a boys home…a disabled kid who had big steel leg braces was always being carried around by one of the other boys…when the Father(was an Irish Catholic) said to the boy, “ isn’t he heavy?”…boy replied, “he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother “
The song has had a particular importance to many soldiers, from Vietnam onwards, as it encapsulates their dedication to each other.
you need to hear the recorded version of this. a good balard is a song that can make a grown man cry, this is one of the best.
This song has always been perfect. We need this beautiful message now more than ever. 🥰Thank you for reacting to this one.
So glad you really liked 'He Ain't Heavy,' one of the best of the Hollies ballads. You're right about Allan Clarke's soaring voice. They had a bunch of hits, but if you liked this one, try 'The Air That I Breathe.' Keep up your wonderful efforts on all of our behalf.
My younger brother passed away last month, and I made sure this song was played at his service. I just wept again. Thank you for reviewing this one.
Losing a sibling is so hard. I wish you comfort and peace.
Having lost my big sister to terminal depression, I can't make it through this, one of her favorites, dry-eyed ever since.
I have lost both a brother and sister in the last three years. This song means a lot to me, it always has.
I'm sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family 👪
My younger brother had this played at his funeral. I cry every time I hear it.
I served in the British Army for many years as a combat medic seeing many things that should not be seen on one tour I was injured recovering a wounded friend when fit enough I visited him in hospital he played this ever since I'm in tears remembering the ones I could not save
We loved this song, as teens in the 70's
We loved it, we lived it, we believed it. Peace.
The OSMONDS also sang this, becoming a big hit, they had 8 brothers & 1 sister.
💙💚💜🧡💛
I'd love for them to do Donny Osmonds cover of Paul Anka's Puppy Love.
The Osmonds "Crazy Horses" was a big hit! But, they're brothers harmony is unmatched!!!!! "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is mesmerizing...🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
@@rossdownes4240 have you seen Paul Anka sing "Put your Head On My Shoulder" to a group of girls and brings one up in stage?
He does it again 55 years later and the woman looks very similar to that young crying girl.
Put Your Head on My Shoulders•Paul Anka
1962
ruclips.net/video/z5xzP0PNnts/видео.html
2019
ruclips.net/video/CK0r737fb-k/видео.html
The Osmonds pretty much adopted this as the family theme song. Pretty sure they closed most of their shows with it.
I love, love, love this song! I have 6 older brothers. I am the 7th son. This song makes me cry from gratitude. Thank you both.❤️
I'm a 59 year old metal head and I've heard this song a million times but never paid much attention to it. Wow! Great lead vocals and backing vocals. Almost 60 and finding a new - old band. Thank you. Love you both. You balance each other so well in your opinions and personalities.
One of the best ballads filled with love, caring, sadness & overcoming hard times with those we carry and aren’t a burden 😪💖☮️🎶🥰
More Hollies; Bus stop my fav, also a must Look through any window
@Kathy, I agree Bus Stop is my favorite as well.😎😎😎😎
Now you’ll understand why Long Cool Woman was such a departure for the Hollies.
So True. it was a great Bop though.
The Hollies had so many super hits! Another great hit is "T'he Air that I breathe" The Lead electric guitar in this one is the instrumental star of the show!
A masterpiece of music. Combined with Lennon's "Imagine" and you feel the different vibe at the time these songs were important. They still are. All it takes is our hearts and will to remake this world.
Great song. The Air that I Breathe by Hollies will also get you in the feels. PLUS my regular plea for YEAR OF THE CAT (Al Stewart) - you guys will love it
I quit asking reactors to do Year Of The Cat because very few do. I'd love to see them react to it. It's brilliant!
Year of the Cat is an awesome suggestion!
Yes, PLEASE do a reaction to "Year of the Cat"
@@carollandrum9223 The ones I follow besides Amber and Jordan have ALL reacted to it already, and unsurprisingly, all were blown away. Hoping Rob Squad gives it a go soon!
A dear friend of mine was always really close to her brother, they always had each other's backs, through everything. When she lost him 2 years ago to complications from diabetes, she had this song played at his funeral. Such a meaningful, touching song.
Yes, such a meaningful song. It resonated with so many different people engaged in so many different struggles of that era.
Allan's voice was just amazing on this. Next up should be "The Air That I Breathe".
I've been a volunteer Firefighter for 37 years, this song was always played at our annual fundraiser dance, the meaning of friends and brotherhood, the dance floor is always full of slow dancers, this song will always mean alot to me.
Back in the day, when this song came out, at the high school dances, most kids sat this one out, due to its tempo of between a fast and slow dance, and we just listened to the heavy message...some of us cried.
Such an amazing song from the Hollies, they were really incredible from the early 60's until the early 70's. Brilliant. Sensational singing, loved the harmonica too! 💖💖💖
Song was written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell.
One of my favorites.
The Air That I Breath by the Hollies is another great one!
Somebody just mentioned reflections of my life by marmalade. That song never goes away! People remember that so deeply in their hearts. You need to experience it for yourselves
This song touches me every time I hear it... for decades now. It's always been a favorite. I'm so glad you guys reacted to it. ❤
This is definitely one of the most beautiful songs by The Hollies! I never suggest a live recording for a first reaction to a song, but this is just unbelievably good!
We had the best music back then.
Going into a deeper dive with the Hollies is well worth the effort, simply put they made great music.😎
So glad you got back to the Hollies finally, I'm a huge fan! Agreeing with everyone else that 'The Air That I Breathe' is the one you need to hit up next because alongside 'He Ain't Heavy', it's a signature Hollies song. It isn't evident in this song or Long Cool Woman, but they were known for impeccable three-part harmonies (especially in the 1960s). Please consider checking out 'Magic Woman Touch' - different lead singer but a gorgeous song and one that shows off their beautiful harmonies. And their 60s discog can take a while to sift through! I'd strongly recommend 'Bus Stop', 'Stop Stop Stop', 'On a Carousel', 'Just One Look', 'Carrie Anne'... and that's me cherry-picking! Can't go wrong with the Hollies, really. I truly treasure their sound.
Jennifer Eccles?
Thanks, Amber! Thanks, Jay! 💞 I love this one. Compassion is the only way forward. #RobSquadReactions #TheHollie #HeAintHeavyHesMyBrother
"He Ain't Heavy" (1969) really is such a magical song. A standout from that era, along with "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (1970). People at the time felt a unity and a need to help one another. It was the era of Civil Rights, the war on poverty, green movements (like Clean Air Act, EPA), the Peace Corps, renewed spirituality, and many co-operative efforts. It was the era of man stepping on the moon, and the Beatles singing "All You Need is Love" on satellite broadcast around the world.
Yes, this. It resonated with so many different people engaged in so many different struggles.
@@IceManTX69 Ah, the voice of tolerance! And understanding.
Yes. He Ain’t Heavy, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Lean On Me, all have similar messages of hope and brotherhood. This could be a sad song but it reminds us that on the one-way road of life that we all travel we don’t have to journey alone and we can help each other.
@@walterrutherford8321 beautifully said Walter!
This wasn’t political it’s about mankind and love each other. I’m not sure what your talking about.
The Hollies "The Air that I Breathe" is equally beautiful.
I've always loved this song, such a wonderful and much-needed reminder of how we should take care of one another as a society, and see each other as something to love, not a burden but an opportunity and a joy to share and help.
One can close their eyes and just listen... Or, sing it loud and proud with your friends as humans making our way through life... (Deep... huh? :) It is a great sing along song that gets you right in the feels. Love it!
The Hollies were a great band in the '60s and early '70s. Check out The Air That I Breathe, On A Carousel, Bus Stop, Carrie Ann and Long Cool Woman. All are excellent!
My favorite Hollies song is Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.
This song always gives me goosebumps and makes me want to cry. It is so beautiful!!💙
This is a great. I love it as well. Makes me teary eyed. I always look at it as if we all helped each other out then life would be easier and great to be giving and loving of each other. Nothing is too hard or"heavy" to help your fellow man. Great reaction ☺
Saw The Hollies live back in the day. Sounds as good live as on recordings.
Elton John played the piano as a session musician on the studio version.
Wow! I never knew that.
@@Wordsmyth8 He did a lot of uncredited session work, so it’s hard to track down, but he’s mentioned this one in interviews as well as Tom Jones’s “Delilah”!
The air that I breathe by the Hollies is a MUST!! U WILL LOVE IT!
I love this song, it’s a classic! The meaning is so beautiful and makes me sad for people who don’t have someone to love them this way! This is love!❤️❤️
I dont care how many times i hear this song it takes me back my sister’s friend brother drowned in the lake they played this song on their brothers last journey
This song came out in time when we all needed it. Still as powerful and timely as it was back then.
They do two of the greatest ballads ever this and "The Air That I Breathe"... Both incredibly meaningful songs and delivered in an effortless way.
Such a masterpiece: given the epic theme, accomplished with clarity and brevity and without preaching. As a nine-year-old I really liked this song when it was on the hit parade back in 1969, the year of the Apollo 11 moon landing. And now I simply love it. Peace.
Could also mean the Vietnam Conflict where the solders carried their brothers to safety, great work by the Hollies! A master piece...:)
my mother in law had this played at her youngest brother's funeral 2003 , it was also played at her nephew's funeral 2017
This is one of the best songs ever ,Aldo The Air That I breathe is great as well. Good vibes and much love 💗☺️
I've loved this song forever...about 50 years!!! It would be wonderful to hear Gabriel Henrique bring this back. The song is needed now.
I remember when this one came out...1969...It was huge. I believe the Hollies recorded the studio version at Abbey Road.
A great classic.Similar sentiment and same time frame as Bill Withers “Lean on me”
Another similar song is Carole King's You've got a friend.
My favorite of The Hollies. Way more than just friendship. It's just being their for your fellowman regardless if you know them or not. This is great live but the official audio is really more powerful.
Lots of tunes from the Hollies. My favorite album is "Distant Light" released in October 1971. Big hit from that album is "Long Cool Woman (in a black dress)" peaking at #2 in the summer of '72.
I don't know if others have suggested this much, but my favorite Hollies song is "Bus Stop" It's such a lovely story with great harmonies. I hope you get to it some time.
For some of us, we can't hold back the tears when we hear this... love it. A guide for our lives.
In the 1940s, the words, adapted as "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother", were taken as a slogan for Boys Town children's home by founder Father Edward Flanagan.[3] According to the Boys Town website, the phrase as used by Boys Town was said to Fr. Flanagan in 1918 by one of the residents while carrying another up a set of stairs. The boy being carried is said to have had polio and worn leg braces.[4]
My best friend used to sing this song at Karaoke and he was awesome singing it. He battled depression and he lost his life in 2017 and this song brings him back to me.
One of my favorite groups of all time. They are still playing venues, albeit with a different line up. Allan Clarke had one of the most memorable vocals in rock. The group was famous for their 3 part harmonies, as a few other groups were like the Bee Gees. This song was one of the few masterpiece songs that became a hit twice for the same group, as The Hollies re-released the song in 1988 and was again a major hit. The song was based on old cliche styled 'memes' that had utilized the song title for various endeavors, most notably for BoysTown in the 1940's.
When I hear this song, I think of my brother, who was suffering from mental illness nearly all his life. Each of us siblings helped him to various degrees before he took his own life 7 years ago. I think of this song, because he wasn’t heavy, even though he always seemed to be in need. He was sweet and, even though he was a loner during family get togethers, he loved to bear hug you hello and keep his rare conversations light-hearted. Sometimes people feel heavy, even when you love them, because they act heavy. My brother wasn’t heavy. He was my brother.
💜💔💜
😢😢😢
Done beautifully and LIVE!! No tricks, just talent. Not too many can do that these days, or give that heart felt emotion.
The Hollies were huge in the UK back in the 60's and 70's. They had several No.1 records. They were often regarded as the kings of harmonizing. They are still touring today..... He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother has charted several times in the decades since it was first released.....