An artist or band can obviously find success by writing their own stuff. But there’s also something to be said for those who know how to find songs they might not have written that still fit their style. Long-running British band The Hollies proved the ability over the years to do a little bit of both.
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In 1969, they uncovered a little-known song with a mouthful of a title. But they nonetheless created balladic magic with “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” Here’s how this song made it into the pop-culture pantheon.
A Motto That Became a Song
Examples of the phrase “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” can be found in religious literature dating all the way back to the 19th century. At some point, the phrase was heard by Father Edward Flanagan. He thought it so apropos to the mission of his Boys Town children’s home that he adopted it as the organization’s motto.
What’s not quite clear is how the phrase made it into the mind of lyricist Bob Russell. Russell made his name throughout the ’50s and ’60s writing songs for films, even earning a couple of Academy Award nominations for collaborations with Quincy Jones.
Russell wrote “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” with composer Bobby Scott, whose claim to fame was his instrumental composition “A Taste of Honey.” Sadly, Russell came up with the lyrics while he was in the terminal stages of a cancer diagnosis, which likely led to the contemplative nature of what would be his most famous work.
The Hollies Get “Heavy”
The first version of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” was done by a fellow named Kelly Gordon, who was also known for producing records by Bobbie Gentry. Gordon’s version is a snail-paced, unkempt thing, with his vocals seesawing wildly between a low rumble and larynx-shredding high notes.
Around the time that Gordon released his version on an album in 1969, The Hollies were looking for material to record. This was a critical time in the band’s history, as Graham Nash, who had played a large role as a songwriter and singer, had recently left to join David Crosby and Stephen Stills.
Tony Hicks, a guitarist for The Hollies, found “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” while trolling through recordings of cover songs. At first, he thought the song was too slow for his band. But they decided to give it a try by goosing the tempo just a bit. As it turned out, the song was ideal for the range of lead singer Allan Clarke, who delivered a spine-tingling studio performance.
Behind the Meaning of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”
The idea of sacrificing one’s own comfort for the comfort of a fellow human is built right into the title of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.” Our narrator is faced with the uncertainty of a winding road: That leads us to who knows where, who knows where. However, his fortitude and resolve is evident: But I’m strong / Strong enough to carry him.
The language of the song certainly carries a touch of Biblical formality: His welfare is my concern / No burden is he. He would not encumber me, he insists of his companion. In the bridge, he wishes the whole human race could look out for each other with love. His final thoughts are of unity: While we’re on the way to there / Why not share?
Released in late 1969, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” became a crucial hit for The Hollies, reaching the Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic. Even if the title might still engender a chuckle or too, the song’s message of amity and brotherhood remains ever-relevant.
Photo by Ivan Keeman/Redferns
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