Throughout his career he played with many famous legends like Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin and John Denver. Some tracks of note include The Journey (a Top 30 hit in Australia in 1993), Cross The Nullarbor and his cover of Mason Williams's Classical Gas.
He Aint Heavy
Tommy Emmanuel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With many a winding turns
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
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's my brother
Tommy Emmanuel's song "He Ain't Heavy" is a heartfelt tribute to the idea of brotherhood and the strength of love and support that can be found among those close to us. The winding road that we all must travel is an uncertain one, full of slopes and valleys that lead to places we may not anticipate. However, Emmanuel believes that through the bond of brotherhood, we can help to lighten each other's burdens and find our way together.
Throughout the song, Emmanuel speaks to his own strength and ability to bear the weight of his brother's troubles. He takes on his brother's welfare as his concern and considers it no burden at all. Through this, he demonstrates the depth of his love and the unbreakable bond he feels with his sibling.
Emmanuel discusses the idea of burden, but reminds us that the real burden would not come from his brother, but from the sadness that stems from a lack of love and kindness amongst our fellow humans. He believes that if we all embrace the idea of brotherhood and care for one another, the load of life won't be nearly as heavy as it seems.
Overall, "He Ain't Heavy" is a touching and poignant tribute to the power of brotherly love, the importance of bearing each other's burdens, and the simple yet profound truth that we're all in this together.
Line by Line Meaning
The road is long
Life is full of challenges and uncertainties, and it can be a long and winding journey.
With many a winding turns
There will be ups and downs, twists and turns along the way, but we must embrace the journey.
That leads us to who knows where
We don't always know where life will take us, but we must keep moving forward with faith and hope.
Who knows where
Life is full of mysteries, and we cannot always predict what is going to happen next.
But I'm strong
Even in the face of uncertainty and adversity, I have the strength to keep going.
Strong enough to carry him
I have the capacity to support and help others who may be struggling.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
The person I am helping is not a burden, but rather my family, someone I am willing to sacrifice for.
So on we go
We must continue to move forward, no matter the challenges we face.
His welfare is of my concern
I care deeply about the well-being of the person I am helping, and will do everything in my power to support them.
No burden is he to bear
I do not see the person as a burden, but rather a fellow human being who deserves my compassion and care.
We'll get there
With persistence and perseverance, we will reach our goals and overcome our obstacles.
For I know
I am confident and assured because of the faith and trust I have in myself and our journey.
He would not encumber me
The person I am helping would not hold me back, but rather inspire and motivate me to be my best self.
If I'm laden at all
If I am carrying any weight or burden, it is the sadness I feel knowing that not everyone shows love and compassion to one another.
I'm laden with sadness
It saddens me to see so much divisiveness and lack of empathy in the world today.
That everyone's heart
I wish that every person had love and compassion in their hearts.
Isn't filled with the gladness
It is unfortunate that not everyone has the capacity to show kindness and care to others.
Of love for one another
Love and compassion are essential qualities that we must cultivate in ourselves and share with others.
It's a long, long road
Our journey through life is a long one, and it can be filled with hardships and obstacles.
From which there is no return
Once we start on this journey, there is no going back or changing what has already happened.
While we're on the way to there
As we continue on our journey through life, we must make the most of the time we have and cherish every moment.
Why not share
We should strive to share our compassion, kindness, and care with others, even during difficult times.
And the load
The weight of the burdens and challenges we face.
Doesn't weigh me down at all
I am strong enough to bear the challenges and difficulties that come my way, and they do not hold me back.
He's my brother
The person I am helping is not a stranger or an outsider, but rather a part of my family and community.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
The person I am helping is not a burden, but rather someone I am willing to support and care for, like family should.
Contributed by Sarah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Rivs
These collaborations with John Knowles in particular are insanely good.
Vincent Magesa
They complement each other perfectly
spagbend
Thank you Tommy & John for this beautiful music!
MrMalacholic
Какой звук! Какой бас! Очень круто!
pickey chav
Life is less confusing with music like this. Thank you for this 😌
Tyler Jacobson
Beautiful song gentlemen. Music is never dead if gentlemen such as yourself still are so committed to it.
Siniša Biljan
I'm sitting with a guitar in front of the computer, listening to the song and I`m thankful for all the good things in life! thanks Tommy!
Serge Unplugged
same here!
Sylvie Brousseau
He sure comforts me in my grief..Love you Tommy XxX from Québec. XxxxX
Linburyboy Linburyboy
I spent 4 days with these two guys in Scotland last year.... amazing experience. If you ever get the chance to attend one of Tommy's guitar camps, just take it. Workshops, lesson, concerts, cameraderie and John and Tommy are such great ambassadors for the music, quality gentlemen all round. Loved it guys.