He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

Written by B. Scott and B. Russell

© 1969

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
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...

Notes:

• The Hollies recording peaked at #3 in the UK charts in 1969.
• The Hollies recording peaked at #7 in the US charts in 1970.
• A 1988 re-issue peaked at #1 in the UK charts.

Elton John Sources:

• June 25 1969 recording at Abbey Road Studios, London, Elton John plays piano on The Hollies session.
• October 4 1969 Elton John plays piano on the A-side of The Hollies UK single, Parlophone R 5806.
• December 20 1969 Elton John plays piano on the A-side of The Hollies US single, Epic 10532.