This week, Jim has asked us to choose a song with a harmonica in it.
https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/64726988/posts/2850672143
I was tempted to opt for the Eurythmics ‘There must be an Angel’ with guest harmonica by Stevie Wonder, but thought a lot of people might choose that, so I’ve gone with The Hollies from 1969 and one of the first singles I bought when I got my new record player.
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” is a ballad written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. Originally recorded by Kelly Gordon in 1969, the song became a worldwide hit for The Hollies later that year and a minor hit for Neil Diamond in 1970. It has been recorded by many artists in subsequent years. Scott and Russell were introduced to each other by Johnny Mercer, at a California nightclub. Although Russell was dying of lymphoma and the pair met only three times, they managed to collaborate on the song.
The Hollies’ recording, sung by Allan Clarke and featuring Elton John on piano, was released in the UK on 1 September 1969 and on 1 December 1969 in the US. It reached No. 3 in the UK and No. 7 in the US. The song was re-released in August 1988 in the UK following its use in a television advertisement for Miller Lite beer. It reached the No. 1 spot in the UK chart for two weeks in September 1988.
(Wikipedia)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl5vi9ir49g
“He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”
Lyrics courtesy AZLyrics.com
The road is long
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
His welfare is 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
This will always be a classic for me and one that I cannot help but get emotional about towards the end.
Enjoy.
Great choice Di , absolutely love the Hollies, great choice 💜
Thanks Willow. Your trio were good too!
Thank you 💜💜
My mum went to see these. Like this song.
I remember all the words and the kids were very surprised when it was re-released for the beer advert that I was singing along!
Wonderful choice Di. This song is a timeless classic ☺️👍
I think so.
What a beautiful song and such a great choice!
Thanks Maggie
Fab song! 🎶💗
Thank you. I love it.
In 1941, Father Flanagan was looking at a magazine called The Messenger when he came across a drawing of a boy carrying a younger boy on his back, with the caption, “He ain’t heavy Mr., he’s my brother.” Father Flanagan thought the image and phrase captured the spirit of Boys Town, so he got permission and commissioned a statue of the drawing with the inscription, “He ain’t heavy Father, he’s my brother.” The statue and phrase became the logo for Boys Town.
I remember the movie with Spencer Tracey and a very young Mickie Roonie as Whitie
The Hollies have been popular for the past month and for good reason! The lyrics and melody give me chills when I hear it. Great share, Di!
Thanks Lisa. It always affect me, especially the last verse and chorus.
Great song. The Hollies were a favorite of mine.
Thanks John.
Never heard of this song before, but what a great song! Thanks for the new listen!
glad you enjoyed it. It was originally released in 1969
Thank you for this one. Gives me chills.
One of my favourite Hollies songs along with Air that I Breathe
I LOVE THAT SONG.
Thanks Li! Hope you’re keeping OK.
Doing great, Di. Especially listening to The Hollies singing on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods?
Apart from annoying holidaymakers, we’re doing OK. Some of the choices today have been terrific.
I remember reading a book with that title…
Great song for sure.
Thank you. How’s Annie?
She’s hanging in there. She is opening her mouth more and wants to play fetch, which of course we can’t
Making some progress then, which is good. Hopefully she’s managing to eat and drink OK.
Hugs and treats by proxy. ❤
She is loving the super soft food my spouse found for her. She doesn’t even spit out the pills. Thanks, I’ll happily deliver the hugs.
Oh that is such good news about her food and the meds!
She was back at the vet yesterday. Her eye had nerve damage and an infection. Trying to put eye drops in a dog’s eye is a huge challenge.
I know, we’ve had to do it with Maggie. Poor Annie. I hope she is improving otherwise though.
She is making progress. Some stitches came out in her mouth. The vet has me watching her and giving her antibiotics for her eye. Thanks for the care.
Our babies can’t tell us where it hurts. Glad she’s making progress.
Wonderful song and choice! Just got lost for a little bit listening to those harmonies, and absorbing the lyrics. 🙂
One of my favourite tracks along with Air that I Breathe.
mmm hmmm for sure! ❤