The road is long
With many a winding turn
That lead us to
Who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy
He's just my brother
So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he
To bear
Ohh we're gonna get there
For I know
He won't encumber me, no
He ain't heavy
He's just my brother
Ohh if I'm laden at all
If I'm laden with sadness
That everybody's heart isn't filled with gladness
With love, love for one another
Or it's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we on our way to there
Why don't we share
And the load doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy
He's my brother
He's my brother
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother THE HOLLIES (with lyrics)
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a powerful and enduring ballad originally written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. It gained widespread popularity through several notable recordings, including the moving rendition by B.J. Thomas released in 1968. This composition captures a profound message of unconditional support and the deep bond between individuals facing life's challenges together. Its melody and lyrics convey a sense of steadfast loyalty and empathy that resonates deeply with listeners across generations.
The central theme of the song revolves around navigating the difficulties and uncertainties of life's journey. The lyrics describe a person carrying another, acknowledging the length and unpredictability of the path ahead. Yet, the focus quickly shifts from the potential hardship of this task to the strength and willingness of the one providing support. The act of carrying is not perceived as a burden, but rather an inherent part of the relationship described, emphasizing that the weight is negligible because the person being carried is simply a "brother," signifying a bond of love, kinship, or deep connection.
Beyond the personal act of support, the song introduces a broader perspective on suffering. The notion of being weighed down is presented not by the act of helping the "brother," but by the sadness that stems from observing a lack of love and joy in the world. This reveals a layer of empathy that extends beyond the immediate relationship to a concern for humanity's collective well-being. It suggests that true heaviness comes from the absence of shared gladness and mutual affection among people, contrasting sharply with the ease of bearing the load for one's "brother."
The song's message finds parallels in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, including scripture. The call to bear one another's burdens is a direct theme found in verses such as Galatians 6:2, which states, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." The concept of brotherly love and the importance of caring for one another are also central to many biblical passages, including Romans 12:10, which encourages being "kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love." The song's articulation of selfless support rooted in connection aligns with these scriptural calls for compassion and mutual aid on the shared journey of life.
Ultimately, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" serves as an anthem of solidarity and selfless love. It beautifully articulates the idea that when motivated by a genuine bond, helping another through their struggles is not a chore but a fundamental expression of connection. The song's lasting appeal lies in its simple yet profound depiction of empathy, resilience, and the powerful truth that love makes even the longest and most challenging roads bearable when traveled together.
