Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another
It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy he's my brother
He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all, is all around
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on, silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All of your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you ever need a friend
Look around I'm sailing right behind
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I'll be there to lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
The song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a powerful and emotional anthem about brotherhood and compassion. The lyrics talk about the struggles and challenges of life, but also about the strength and resilience of the human spirit. The opening lines of the song paint a picture of a long and winding road that leads to an uncertain future. It is a metaphor for the journey of life and the many obstacles and difficulties that we encounter along the way.
Despite the road being long and uncertain, the singer is strong enough to carry his brother. He declares that his brother is not a burden to him and that he is willing to support him no matter what. The singer acknowledges that there may be times when he feels weighed down by the sadness and sorrow of the world around him, but he knows that his love for his brother will keep him going.
The song encourages people to support and care for each other, even when the road is rough and the burden seems heavy. It is a call to action for people to show kindness and compassion to those in need, and to recognize that we are all in this together.
Line by Line Meaning
The road is long
Life is a long journey
With many a winding turn
It's full of unpredictable twists and turns
That leads us to who knows where
We don't know where we're going
Who knows where
It's a mysterious journey
But I'm strong
I'm strong enough for the journey
Strong enough to carry him
And I'm willing to help my brother along the way
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
Even though he may seem like a burden, he's not because he's family and it's my responsibility to help him
So on we go
We keep moving forward
His welfare is of my concern
I care about his well-being
No burden is he to bear
I don't see him as a burden
We'll get there
Eventually we'll make it to our destination
For I know
I'm confident that
He would not encumber me
My brother wouldn't purposely hold me back
If I'm laden at all
If I feel weighed down
I'm laden with sadness
It's because I'm sad that not everyone has love for one another
That everyone's heart
If everyone could be more loving
Isn't filled with the gladness
Then there would be more happiness in the world
Of love for one another
And we would all help each other
It's a long, long road
The journey is long and difficult
From which there is no return
We can't turn back and start over
While we're on the way to there
As we're on this journey
Why not share
Why not help each other out
And the load
And even if there is a burden
Doesn't weigh me down at all
It doesn't hold me back
He ain't heavy he's my brother
Because he's my family and I care about him
He's my brother
And I love him
When you're down and out
When you're feeling low and helpless
When you're on the street
When you're homeless and alone
When evening falls so hard
When the night is darkest
I will comfort you
I'll be there to provide comfort
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
I'll defend you when things get tough
And pain is all, is all around
When there's pain and suffering all around us
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I'll be there to support you
I will lay me down
I'll make sure you're taken care of
Sail on, silver girl
Keep moving forward, my friend
Sail on by
Don't let anything hold you back
Your time has come to shine
It's your time to succeed
All of your dreams are on their way
Your dreams are within reach
See how they shine
And they're shining bright
Oh, if you ever need a friend
If you ever need someone to talk to
Look around I'm sailing right behind
I'm right here behind you
I'll be there to lay me down
And I'll be there to provide support
Like a bridge over troubled water
Just like a bridge over water, I'll make sure you don't fall
I will lay me down
I'll be there to make sure you're okay
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind