The song is about "The Boys Town Statue" that still stands today at the all boys institution known as [Boys Town] for orphan boys in the state of Nebraska U.S. The story goes...When a priest came upon a boy carrying another boy who was handicap... The priest asked the boy. Can I carry him for you? The boy replied. "No He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother." True story...
Wow! A couple of Bible verses would be also come to mind with this song like in Galatians 6:2, wherein we must carry one another's burden. Such a beautiful and powerful song.
I admit I am a little drunk, but I am crying right now.The 60's were a beautiful time, and I feel a little sorry for anyone that missed it. Hard to see how we got from there to here.
I don't even need to be drunk to become emotional. I heard it's one of the top funeral songs and all people need to hear is the first note to have tears brought to there eyes.
We often hold up Stairway to Heaven And Bohemian Rhapsody as timeless all time greats, this song falls into the same category for me. Wonderful vocals from Allan Clarke.
If there is some dispute about the phrase from which the title is taken, I think I can help. As a couple of of you have already noted, there is a statue which stands at the entrance to Boys Town in Nebraska (it's depicted in the video at 2:31) with the same phrase carved into it's base. I could see it daily over 60 years ago; I'm a Boys Town graduate. Interesting note, by the way...Boys Town now admits girls...sixty years too late for me. C'est la vie.
Dennis Bateman my brother was also and I have the statue and he took my other brother and sister and I on a tour of Boys Town he was there when Johnny Rogers was there and went on to play for Nebraska and the NFL my brother went to serve in the Army as a MP and was a police officer for 40 years I also served in the Army and was a MP and served for 22 years and was a police officer too I was in a children's home at the time .my brother was BOYS TOWN
At the time this song came out it was the 60's I always thought it meant that your brother is your fellow man. No matter who you are ,helping each other is a privilege and helps you.
Always heard that phrase was about Boys Town. "He ain't heavy, Father. He's my brother." From a boy who used to carry his crippled brother up and down the stairs.
We're all brothers and sisters. We NEED songs like this that what country you come from what color skin is meaningless. We all come from the one who created us all.
He wanted everyone to love one another like you were brother's, To help one another and live in love ,peace and harmony the way life was meant to be lived. Amen
I always ask myself why can't people write songs like this anymore? Some people say writers don't have the heart and soul to express their love for other people. Thank god for TH-cam!
This came on the car radio one morning just after my much loved handicapped brother had died. How I completed that journey into work I'll never know. When I got to the office I cried so much I couldn't explain to my friends what was wrong. I hadn't really cried till that morning and the flood gates just opened. In spite of his difficulties he was an inspiration to us all. The only boy among four sisters and we spoilt him rotten. He was unique, never to be forgotten. X
To add to my earlier comments...The lyricist for this beautiful song is Bob Russell. It was to be the last song he would ever write. The music was written by Bobby Scott 1968. The song was about a very famous stamp... called "The Boys Town Stamp." Of 2 young boys one carrying another on his back. One of the priest at Boys Town ask if he could carry the boy for him... The boy replied..."He Ain't Heavy Father He's My Brother." The rest as they say is history...Thanks for posting this gem of a song. Peace!
James Wells, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland, tells the story of a little girl carrying a big baby boy in his 1884 book The Parables of Jesus. Seeing her struggling, someone asked if she wasn't tired. With surprise she replied: "No, he's not heavy; he's my brother."
I lost my brother 3 years ago from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He was my older brother and he looked after me many times in my youth. He once saved me from drowning in a river near our house. He looked after me. My mother nearly died from an aortic aneurysm years after. She did not die but she had a series of strokes after her operation. She was not quite the same person afterwards and over the next ten years it got worse. It is a terrible thing to see your mother go downhill from dementia. After my brother died, I got tested and found out that I too had an aneurysm. I had open heart surgery in 2017 to repair it. If it weren't for my brother's death I doubt that I would have gotten tested at all. I am grateful to be alive, but I regret that my brother had to pass in order to warn me.
@@wpollock1 Thank you! I had open heart surgery when I was 12 years old, due to a congenital aortic stenosis. So, I already had a history. After my brother died I got my aortic valve replaced with a bovine valve and had most of my aorta replaced. Afterwards, they said the base of my aorta had enlarged since the surgery. I'm being checked every six months but I am about 2 mm from needing a third surgery. Take care of yourself and keep your appointments!
Just as what's written in Romans 14:1 and Romans 15:1 which states bearing the failings or weaknesses of the weak and not resorting to dispute and argument since the other is strong enough to help the weak.
Hate against someone is the root of killings and murders. Just as what Jesus Christ stated he who hates his brother is a murderer and will not inherit the Kingdom of God. God is love.
Lol. "Sometimes I'd even drop them." I was that chubby baby, and I didn't mind, I loved to be lifted! My grandpa used to say "one two three jump" in order to lift me after I begged him to. The poor man. What a sweet guy. Tho he never dropped me, just set me down pretty quickly. My sibs weren't so gentle, tho. Good times.
This is based on the reaction of a mother telling one son to not carry the other on his back because he is heavy and the older brother says to his mother, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." The strongest among us carry others readily. Mitakuye oyasin ~ we all related / all my relations.
I believe the title derives from a story from Boy's Town when a boy was asked about a smaller boy he was carrying. "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother."
She's has it correct. The song can be taken many ways but the writer met a girl (somewhere) carrying her brother and said " he ain't heavy he's my brother ". I certainly see it in other ways also. That's the genius of songwriters. It's magical.
the title is based on a vietnam monument in america of a soldier carrying a injured buddy, at the base is carved the words " he aint heavy hes my brother"
The Hollies wow this song has so much meaning as I played this song for my late brother who passed away the same day as Joe Cocker back in 2014 and his initials were JC. Love you my bro..Always in our hearts forever
This cover was a hit in 1969. The origin of the title line is traced to 1884, James Wells in his book 'The Parables of Jesus' telling of a little girl struggling while carrying a big baby boy and replying "No, he's not heavy, he's my brother" when someone asked if she was tired 👣 Enjoyed your reaction Enoma - this song moves one to recall all those who have carried us 🎎
Very insightful about the lack of unconditional love between mates. The song is also a case for breaking rules. I bet the song would not be nearly as famous if it had been called "He Isn't Heavy, He's My Brother". Ain't ain't even a word, some people say. :) We need this song, and this sentiment...now, more than ever. Dhanyavaad!
This song reminds me of a couple of Bible verses, one of them is in Galatians 6:2 wherein we must bear one another's burden. This song has such a strong message wherein we must love one another and help each other, even our bitterest enemies. If we throw away hatred which by the way is the very root of killing our fellowmen, the world will be a nice place to live in- for the meantime. Because there is paradise where everyone will be happy for eternity. Love and peace to all.
Vietnam war. Soldiers helping injured brothers off the battle field is what I think. But I believe it is a song older than that. It's about brothers helping brothers.
I would love to explain to my brother the feelings and memories that are expressed in this song. We could have had a song in life that brought us happiness when we heard it, instead of the loneliness that it brings for two only-childs.
I love this song. Great reaction video. I like your interpretation Kirti. I think the term "brother" may also be replaced with "friend" or another fellow man or woman. Being kind and supportive to other people in need. :))
sniff....luv ya eric. my brother. He has carried me, as I have him. As many of my friends have carried me, and I them. And yes...now a days I can say it...I've got some gals that l lay my shit on and they me. As friends. Love! this song :)
I have posted this on a couple of other TH-cam pages, so please allow me to post it here: I realize that the phrase, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother", came from the Boy's Town monument. But I want to offer a slightly different take: This song was during the Vietnam War. There was a lot of racial tension during that time of this song and it was tearing our country apart. In a past century, blacks were referred to as "the white man's burden." The Hollies were in tune with that tension and were trying to say that we need to change our ways and we need a mental reset. The Boy's Town inscription may have been the inspiration, but I suggest that the song resonated because of its call to racial harmony: Blacks aren't any burden -- and not heavy -- at all. They are our brothers. This is a song calling to mend the racial divide (and expanded its interpretation to all races) -- a feeling that was integral to the "peace, love & understanding" mantra of us younger, boomers at that time. (If you are a member of The Hollies who disagrees, please tell me otherwise.) As a side note, sociologists and economists now realize that through the wage and housing discrimination that led to that 60's tension, and ultimately created the permanent black underclass in so many communities across the USA today, it was actually we whites that were really the black man's burden. Yes, it's a long, long road...
My dad was a Korea war vet said it ment take care of yourself and pick up your buddy if he ever goes down so u both survive. I guess if has maney meanings to maney people.
I'd really love to see more reactions to this song. Maybe with different backgrounds like of course the children but Firemen and soldiers as well. See if people will have a better take on the lyrics. I'd also love to see reactions to The Sound of Silence but by the Acepella group Pentatonix TH-cam › watch [OFFICIAL VIDEO] The Sound of Silence - Pentatonix - TH-cam
In 1970 on American radio in Vietnam this was the most requested song it meant a lot to us. God rest brothers
This can also be viewed with the thought every man is my brother. We must try to carry each other down this long road called life.
We need more of this attitude in the world RIGHT NOW, more than ever. Less selfishness. Thought for our fellow man.
The song is about "The Boys Town Statue" that still stands today at the all boys institution known as [Boys Town] for orphan boys in the state of Nebraska U.S. The story goes...When a priest came upon a boy carrying another boy who was handicap... The priest asked the boy. Can I carry him for you? The boy replied. "No He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother." True story...
shit..
Wow! A couple of Bible verses would be also come to mind with this song like in Galatians 6:2, wherein we must carry one another's burden. Such a beautiful and powerful song.
I admit I am a little drunk, but I am crying right now.The 60's were a beautiful time, and I feel a little sorry for anyone that missed it. Hard to see how we got from there to here.
I don't even need to be drunk to become emotional. I heard it's one of the top funeral songs and all people need to hear is the first note to have tears brought to there eyes.
We often hold up Stairway to Heaven And Bohemian Rhapsody as timeless all time greats, this song falls into the same category for me. Wonderful vocals from Allan Clarke.
This song is about the love we all should have for one another.
If there is some dispute about the phrase from which the title is taken, I think I can help. As a couple of of you have already noted, there is a statue which stands at the entrance to Boys Town in Nebraska (it's depicted in the video at 2:31) with the same phrase carved into it's base. I could see it daily over 60 years ago; I'm a Boys Town graduate. Interesting note, by the way...Boys Town now admits girls...sixty years too late for me. C'est la vie.
Dennis Bateman my brother was also and I have the statue and he took my other brother and sister and I on a tour of Boys Town he was there when Johnny Rogers was there and went on to play for Nebraska and the NFL my brother went to serve in the Army as a MP and was a police officer for 40 years I also served in the Army and was a MP and served for 22 years and was a police officer too I was in a children's home at the time .my brother was BOYS TOWN
I miss my late brother Jimmy who passed away in 2017...He was only 48... Thank you for reacting to this song.
At the time this song came out it was the 60's I always thought it meant that your brother is your fellow man. No matter who you are ,helping each other is a privilege and helps you.
It's about sharing, caring for all of mankind.
Always heard that phrase was about Boys Town. "He ain't heavy, Father. He's my brother." From a boy who used to carry his crippled brother up and down the stairs.
We're all brothers and sisters. We NEED songs like this that what country you come from what color skin is meaningless. We all come from the one who created us all.
He wanted everyone to love one another like you were brother's, To help one another and live in love ,peace and harmony the way life was meant to be lived. Amen
I always ask myself why can't people write songs like this anymore? Some people say writers don't have the heart and soul to express their love for other people. Thank god for TH-cam!
Just an expression of pure love.
This song touches my soul
Shannon White, I Couldn’t have said it better.
Each time I hear this song, it reduces me to tears. It's so sincere.
the images in that video you were watching were very powerful. tugs at the heartstrings, but I can no longer find it on youtube!
its about helping one another, its not physically carrying him. its about emotional support through tough times.
Could be interpreted many different ways by the listener-including literally, or figuratively.
This came on the car radio one morning just after my much loved handicapped brother had died. How I completed that journey into work I'll never know. When I got to the office I cried so much I couldn't explain to my friends what was wrong. I hadn't really cried till that morning and the flood gates just opened. In spite of his difficulties he was an inspiration to us all. The only boy among four sisters and we spoilt him rotten. He was unique, never to be forgotten. X
If this song's a movie, it's a sure fire tearjerker. No questions asked.
I'm very sorry for your loss. He must've been an awesome brother and you love him dearly.
This was played at many grad ceremonies in the 70s. We cried.
one of my top five songs when I just want to cry...
This is such a beautiful song with a beautiful message.
Perfect combination of lyrics and vocals!
To add to my earlier comments...The lyricist for this beautiful song is Bob Russell. It was to be the last song he would ever write. The music was written by Bobby Scott 1968. The song was about a very famous stamp... called "The Boys Town Stamp." Of 2 young boys one carrying another on his back. One of the priest at Boys Town ask if he could carry the boy for him... The boy replied..."He Ain't Heavy Father He's My Brother." The rest as they say is history...Thanks for posting this gem of a song. Peace!
James Wells, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland, tells the story of a little girl carrying a big baby boy in his 1884 book The Parables of Jesus. Seeing her struggling, someone asked if she wasn't tired. With surprise she replied: "No, he's not heavy; he's my brother."
I lost my brother 3 years ago from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He was my older brother and he looked after me many times in my youth. He once saved me from drowning in a river near our house. He looked after me. My mother nearly died from an aortic aneurysm years after. She did not die but she had a series of strokes after her operation. She was not quite the same person afterwards and over the next ten years it got worse. It is a terrible thing to see your mother go downhill from dementia. After my brother died, I got tested and found out that I too had an aneurysm. I had open heart surgery in 2017 to repair it. If it weren't for my brother's death I doubt that I would have gotten tested at all. I am grateful to be alive, but I regret that my brother had to pass in order to warn me.
@@wpollock1 Thank you! I had open heart surgery when I was 12 years old, due to a congenital aortic stenosis. So, I already had a history. After my brother died I got my aortic valve replaced with a bovine valve and had most of my aorta replaced. Afterwards, they said the base of my aorta had enlarged since the surgery. I'm being checked every six months but I am about 2 mm from needing a third surgery. Take care of yourself and keep your appointments!
This is referring to helping each other, one has care and empathy for others in need.
Just as what's written in Romans 14:1 and Romans 15:1 which states bearing the failings or weaknesses of the weak and not resorting to dispute and argument since the other is strong enough to help the weak.
Beautiful song ❤️
this reminds me of vietnam, a different time and reality, many of my brothers didn't make it back.
This song holds so much truth that these times..right now..we need to hear. We are ALL brothers. Help dont hate
Hate against someone is the root of killings and murders. Just as what Jesus Christ stated he who hates his brother is a murderer and will not inherit the Kingdom of God. God is love.
Inspirational and a great song from the Hollies.
The Hollies are referring to all mankind do what you can to help everyone
Just found you, and subscribed. The "brother" in the collective sense. Beautiful, no?
this song always makes me sad because I never felt comfortable or safe with my brother.
Dang girl, you got it in the first sentence before even hearing it. You're good.
This song is about overcoming. Perfect for the late 1960's, and what we are all going through right now.
My brother sure carried me on his back. Thank you my dear brother. We have been through alot.
Lol. "Sometimes I'd even drop them." I was that chubby baby, and I didn't mind, I loved to be lifted! My grandpa used to say "one two three jump" in order to lift me after I begged him to. The poor man. What a sweet guy. Tho he never dropped me, just set me down pretty quickly. My sibs weren't so gentle, tho. Good times.
My younger brother died six years ago,he would have been sixty one years old on June ninth,I miss you so much Peewee,I will never be the same.
This is based on the reaction of a mother telling one son to not carry the other on his back because he is heavy and the older brother says to his mother, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." The strongest among us carry others readily. Mitakuye oyasin ~ we all related / all my relations.
This song is about the a wounded comrade in a battlefield...He Aint Heavy coz he's you brother..never leave your brother in his terrible moment
You'd think music was created so that one day would come along and this would be written with it.
I believe the title derives from a story from Boy's Town when a boy was asked about a smaller boy he was carrying. "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother."
She's has it correct. The song can be taken many ways but the writer met a girl (somewhere) carrying her brother and said " he ain't heavy he's my brother ". I certainly see it in other ways also. That's the genius of songwriters. It's magical.
the title is based on a vietnam monument in america of a soldier carrying a injured buddy, at the base is carved the words " he aint heavy hes my brother"
Hello from New Orleans.. love you guys!
Wow. That was pretty. I guess that's why we listened to it so much way back when. Just lovely.
Neil Diamond also had a hit with this song, among many others.
The Hollies wow this song has so much meaning as I played this song for my late brother who passed away the same day as Joe Cocker back in 2014 and his initials were JC. Love you my bro..Always in our hearts forever
In my top 5 of all time
This cover was a hit in 1969. The origin of the title line is traced to 1884, James Wells in his book 'The Parables of Jesus' telling of a little girl struggling while carrying a big baby boy and replying "No, he's not heavy, he's my brother" when someone asked if she was tired 👣 Enjoyed your reaction Enoma - this song moves one to recall all those who have carried us 🎎
Very insightful about the lack of unconditional love between mates. The song is also a case for breaking rules. I bet the song would not be nearly as famous if it had been called "He Isn't Heavy, He's My Brother". Ain't ain't even a word, some people say. :) We need this song, and this sentiment...now, more than ever. Dhanyavaad!
It´s was wrote by Albert Hammond again!!!
This song reminds me of a couple of Bible verses, one of them is in Galatians 6:2 wherein we must bear one another's burden. This song has such a strong message wherein we must love one another and help each other, even our bitterest enemies. If we throw away hatred which by the way is the very root of killing our fellowmen, the world will be a nice place to live in- for the meantime. Because there is paradise where everyone will be happy for eternity. Love and peace to all.
Vietnam war. Soldiers helping injured brothers off the battle field is what I think. But I believe it is a song older than that. It's about brothers helping brothers.
Nice! How about Elvis, "Walk A Mile In My Shoes"?
That's a lovely song.
Love your shirt! I got to see The Scorpions in concert. I surprised that they were really good. This makes me cry. Thanks lol
I would love to explain to my brother the feelings and memories that are expressed in this song. We could have had a song in life that brought us happiness when we heard it, instead of the loneliness that it brings for two only-childs.
Childhood,for sure.
I love this song. Great reaction video. I like your interpretation Kirti.
I think the term "brother" may also be replaced with "friend" or another fellow man or woman.
Being kind and supportive to other people in need. :))
This song applies to everyone. Very beautiful.
sniff....luv ya eric. my brother. He has carried me, as I have him. As many of my friends have carried me, and I them. And yes...now a days I can say it...I've got some gals that l lay my shit on and they me. As friends. Love! this song :)
I have posted this on a couple of other TH-cam pages, so please allow me to post it here: I realize that the phrase, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother", came from the Boy's Town monument. But I want to offer a slightly different take: This song was during the Vietnam War. There was a lot of racial tension during that time of this song and it was tearing our country apart. In a past century, blacks were referred to as "the white man's burden." The Hollies were in tune with that tension and were trying to say that we need to change our ways and we need a mental reset. The Boy's Town inscription may have been the inspiration, but I suggest that the song resonated because of its call to racial harmony: Blacks aren't any burden -- and not heavy -- at all. They are our brothers. This is a song calling to mend the racial divide (and expanded its interpretation to all races) -- a feeling that was integral to the "peace, love & understanding" mantra of us younger, boomers at that time. (If you are a member of The Hollies who disagrees, please tell me otherwise.) As a side note, sociologists and economists now realize that through the wage and housing discrimination that led to that 60's tension, and ultimately created the permanent black underclass in so many communities across the USA today, it was actually we whites that were really the black man's burden. Yes, it's a long, long road...
This song is about Vietnam war. Soldier helping a fellow soldier.
I really like ur reactions im subscribing now...
I've heard this was a true experience in Vietnam war..A Vietnamese boy carrying his dead brother that was killed by weapons of destruction
no, Alan Clarke got the inspiration for the song from Father Flanagan's Boys Town.
My dad was a Korea war vet said it ment take care of yourself and pick up your buddy if he ever goes down so u both survive. I guess if has maney meanings to maney people.
Great tune, been too long since I last heard.
Great reaction! I really enjoyed it.
Brother is fellow humans
Would love a reaction for Gary Wright's Love is Alive.
VERY NICE YOURS REACTON TANK YOU
firefighters in the states use this for each other
U guys would love "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon
Brother .. Rection plis. india Dangdut . ridho Rhoma , Song Menunggu Mu and Dawai Asmara. harus kah Berakhir ... Plesss... By indonesia
Well the head bobbing runs in the family
Great reaction is from the greatest guitar player Brian setzer .can you play rock this town by straycats
Can you react to
Immortal technique - dance with the devil
LIKE >>>>>>>>
I'd really love to see more reactions to this song. Maybe with different backgrounds like of course the children but Firemen and soldiers as well. See if people will have a better take on the lyrics. I'd also love to see reactions to The Sound of Silence but by the Acepella group Pentatonix TH-cam › watch
[OFFICIAL VIDEO] The Sound of Silence - Pentatonix - TH-cam
Please please react to soothsayer by buckethead
I promise you will not regret it
The man has much soul
Great reaction , i subd guys, can you please check out Notorious Big - Everyday struggle (with lyrics)
now listen to Shamballa by 3 dog night
stranglers golden brown
You Never Know & Point Of No Return by Immortal Technique. I think y’all would appreciate the stories.
V
Beautiful song ❤️