Frequent releases during the mid-60s included many cover versions of popular songs, as well as a few group-penned hits and many songs written especially for them by professional songwriters.
The Hollies were formed in 1962 in Lancashire, England. By 1965,the group had been established as one of Britain's pre-eminent singles bands. As part of the British Invasion, they enjoyed huge chart success in many countries in the mid-Sixties, releasing a string of classic harmony-pop hits including Bus Stop I'm Alive, a UK No. 1, I Can't Let Go, Stop Stop Stop, Carrie Anne, On A Carousel, Look Through Any Window, and Jennifer Eccles.
In 1972, the hit Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress reached #2 in the US. Their last mega hit was He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, hitting #1 in the UK in 1988 (albeit 19 years after its first release).
The band are noted for their longevity, with their 2006 tour chalking up 45 years. Despite numerous changes in line-up, Tony Hicks & Bobby Elliott have been with the band almost from its inception.
Lead singer Allan Clarke left The Hollies in 1971, though he rejoined the band at later times. He was eventually replaced by Carl Wayne, ex lead singer of The Move, who passed away in 2004. Wayne was replaced by Peter Howarth. The 2007 line up is, Ian Parker on keyboards, Ray Stiles (Ex Mud, remember 'Tiger Feet') on bass guitar and Alan Coates on guitar and vocals by Steve Lauri.
Original bass player Eric Haydock died in January 2018.
The Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 15, 2010.
Allan Clarke (vocals, 1962-71, 1973-99), Graham Nash (guitar, vocals, 1962-68, 1983), Eric Haydock (bass, 1962-66), Vick Farrell (guitar, 1962), Don Rathbone (drums, 1962-63), Tony Hicks (guitar, banjo, mandolin, electric sitar, vocals, 1963-present), Bobby Elliott (drums, percussion, 1963-present), Bernie Calvert (bass, 1966-81), Terry Sylvester (guitar, vocals, 1969-81), Mikael Rickfors (vocals, 1971-73), Denis Haines (bass, 1981-86), Alan Coates (guitar, 1981-2004), Ray Stiles (bass, vocals, 1986-present), Ian Parker (keyboards, vocals, 1991-present), Carl Wayne (vocals, 2000-04), Peter Howarth (vocals, acoustic guitar, 2004-present), Steve Lauri (guitar, vocals, 2004-present)
He aint Heavy He's My Brother
The Hollies 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, he ain't heavy
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies is a powerful message about selflessness, empathy, and brotherhood. The lyrics describe an individual's determination to help and support their brother or friend, no matter how difficult the road may be. The singer acknowledges the long and winding journey ahead, but asserts their physical and emotional strength to carry their beloved companion. The song also communicates a deep sense of responsibility towards the welfare of their friend or brother. The lyrics emphasize that this responsibility is not a burden, instead it is willingly taken on as the singer considers the other person as their brother.
The lines "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" is a commentary on the lack of empathy and love among human beings. The singer expresses remorse that love is not more easily found in the world and that they are carrying a heavy load because they care so deeply for their brother. However, the spiritual message of the song is clear, that even when the road ahead seems long and difficult, we must continue to support, love, and carry one another, and in doing so, we will find the strength to journey on.
Line by Line Meaning
The road is long
Life is a journey that can be long and winding
With many a winding turn
There are many twists and turns in life's path
That leads us to who knows where
We are unsure of where our journey will take us
Who knows where
Our path is uncertain
But I'm strong
I am capable and able to handle any challenge
Strong enough to carry him
I am able to support and help my brother in need
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
My love for my brother outweighs any burden he may place on me
So on we go
We continue our journey through life
His welfare is of my concern
I am invested in my brother's well-being and happiness
No burden is he to bear
My brother is not a burden to me
We'll get there
We will reach our destination eventually
For I know
I am certain
He would not encumber me
My brother would not deliberately cause me any difficulties
If I'm laden at all
If I carry any weight at all
I'm laden with sadness
I am weighed down by the sadness of people not loving one another enough
That everyone's heart
The hearts of all people
Isn't filled with the gladness
Is not overflowing with happiness
Of love for one another
For each other and humanity as a whole
It's a long, long road
Life is a journey that can be very lengthy
From which there is no return
Death is an inevitable part of life
While we're on the way to there
While we continue on in our journey through life
Why not share
Why not share the burden and help each other
And the load
The burden that we carry
Doesn't weigh me down at all
I am not weighed down by the burden of helping my brother
He's my brother
My bond with my brother is unbreakable
He ain't heavy, he's my brother, he ain't heavy
My brother's weight is not a burden to me, he is family and I will always support him
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOB RUSSELL, BOBBY SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dianneoatley5223
I am dying of terminal cancer but my brothers are everything to me this song makes me wish they know how much they mean to me. Love you bros.
@bridiekeenan8249
Dianne Hang in there Love you 💪✋🦋👍🙏🙂♥️
@dianneoatley5223
@@bridiekeenan8249 thank you
@bridiekeenan8249
Thanks for the reply True hang in there Don't give up Love you 🙂🙏
@TJ-cs8ws
Dianne,
I have also been diagnosed with a very aggressive triple negative advanced metastatic breast cancer I pray for you sister of God. I'm not a big time holy roller however I do believe in God as he showed me something when I was 5 years old and since then I have followed him and been guided by him throughout my life I am 58 now I pray you have found the Lord if not I pray that you will seek him now. Hugs and prayers and much love to you Diane 🙏♥️🙏💕
@surferpam1
Dianne, take my love with me on your journey.
@laurenstevens9467
This world has drifted so far away from genuine brotherly love and compassion. We need songs like these now more than ever. This song still grabs my heart and causes me to tear up.
@rjkubr
Abraham Martin & John is another classic reflecting your thoughts.
@scottieehopkins9857
I feel that way too
@ME-ot2ce
Humanly love