I never really gave this song much thought, but could remember the first few words and then hum along with the rest. It was first sung by Neil Diamond. That basically how I do all songs. Being a young adult and seeing nothing but the hopes, love and life ahead, this song didn't mean much to me.
I know this song has been done in different ways, by different artists. The recording and video below means more to me, at this stage of my life.
The lyrics? Can you hear them? Understand them? Here they are:
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 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...
What do you remember of the 70s or 80s, when this song was making the rounds? Did you know the lyrics then? Did this speak to you?
Addendum: This was a song for many when it was released in 1970. Vietnam took many of our local boys from small farming communities where I grew up. Some came back, some didn't. When I hear this, the senior HS pictures come to mind of those boys, their names. My cousin Billy didn't return.
Repost from 2014
