He Ain't Heavy

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

Wed.Words: Kindle Windle Valentine

Kindle Windle Valentine

Went looking for something

He could not find.

It need not be something gentle or kind.

But something where the road would wind,

Which would be just fine.

Kindle Windle Valentine stumbled and fumbled,

Then rose to his feet.

Questions to his mind rumbled.

Should he take the path of dreamers?

Should he seek a place of solidarity?

Which would surely be a rarity…

With hands on his hips, a whistle on his lips,

Kindle Windle Valentine

Was done, then undone by all his searching

with thoughts in his mind.

He was tired of walking and working,

A place of comfort was where 

Which was where he started,

Which was just fine.

This week's words were supplied by Randomosity , Jacqueline has graciously agreed to supply the Wednesday Words writing challenge, from River, Elephant's Child, and Delores (great writers in themselves).

The photo and/or the six words can be used to inspire writers who are struggling with brain block, or simply want to do something else. The bold, underlined words are six unrelated words with which to cut loose and take a big leap.  You won't be sorry!