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
The Hollies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
So on we go
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's my brother
The Hollies' song "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a poignant reflection on the bonds of brotherhood and the strength of love and compassion. The opening lines convey a sense of the uncertain journey of life, with its many winding paths and unknown destinations. Yet, the singer is determined to be strong enough to carry his brother, to offer support and care through the ups and downs of life.
The next section emphasizes the singer's concern for his brother's welfare, highlighting the selflessness and sacrifice that define true brotherhood. The singer sees his brother's struggles as his own and is willing to take on whatever burdens he may face. This section also emphasizes the importance of sharing the load, of recognizing that we are all in this together and that we have a responsibility to care for one another.
The final section brings together the themes of the song, emphasizing the singer's commitment to his brother and the importance of love and compassion for all. The line "He ain't heavy, he's my brother" is repeated several times throughout the song, underscoring the central message that our bonds of love and care for one another outweigh any burden we may carry.
Overall, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a powerful ode to the strength of family bonds and the importance of empathy and compassion in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
The road is long
Life is a long and winding journey filled with unknowns and uncertainties.
With many a winding turn
The path we take in our lives is seldom a straight line, but rather one with many twists and turns.
That leads us to who knows where, who knows where
We may not know where we're headed, but we keep moving forward anyway.
But I'm strong
I have the ability to carry the weight of my brother's problems and concerns.
Strong enough to carry him
I am capable of shouldering the burden of my brother's troubles.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
I don't see my brother as a burden, but rather someone I'm happy to help because of our strong bond.
So on we go
We continue down the path of life together with our shared experiences.
His welfare is of my concern
I care about my brother's well-being and want to help him in any way possible.
No burden is he to bear
I don't see helping my brother as a weight to carry, but rather a privilege and responsibility I take on willingly.
We'll get there
No matter how difficult the journey may be, my brother and I will reach our destination together.
For I know
I am confident and certain about the nature of our relationship as siblings.
He would not encumber me
My brother wouldn't want to burden me, but I still offer to help him because of our brotherly bond.
If I'm laden at all
If I'm carrying any weight or burden, it's the sadness that not everyone experiences the same love and connection I share with my brother.
I'm laden with sadness
I am weighed down by the knowledge that not everyone has the same positive relationships with their siblings.
That everyone's heart
I wish that all people could experience the joy and love that comes with close family relationships.
Isn't filled with the gladness
It's unfortunate that not everyone has the same positive family experiences and relationships.
Of love for one another
The joy and love that comes from close family relationships can't be matched by anything else in life.
It's a long, long road
Life is a long and winding journey that's full of ups and downs.
From which there is no return
We can never go back or undo the events and choices that happen over the course of our lives.
While we're on the way to there
As we travel through life, we should take the opportunity to help our loved ones and share our experiences with them.
Why not share?
We should be there for each other and share the joys and challenges of life because that's what makes it all worthwhile.
And the load
The weight of my brother's problems and concerns.
Doesn't weigh me down at all
Helping my brother doesn't feel like a burden, but rather something I'm happy to do because of our special bond.
He's my brother
Our bond as siblings is unbreakable and I will always be there for him.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
My brother is not a burden to me, but someone I'm happy to help because of our shared love and connection.
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