First time hearing The Hollies “He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@bebekind9455]

My little brother got Leukemia three years ago. I left my family, my home, my state, in order to go spend 4 months with him in Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville while he was getting a stem cell transplant. People used to ask how I could leave my life behind to care for him. I would first say it was a privilege, and next would sing this chorus, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” I lost my brother, but the last time I saw him I was able to show him the words of this chorus and his name tattooed on my arm. Thank you for playing it. Each and every time I hear it, I dedicate it to my brother. I love and miss you, Terry!

[@edprzydatek8398]

That's sadly beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@thomastimlin1724]

You're breakin' my heart, lost my brother too in July 2020.

[@joelliebler5690]

🥲Sorry for your loss.

[@ageofaquarius6176]

Very sorry for your loss. Bless you.❤✌

[@louierivera7512]

A wonderful example of what it truly means to be selfless by demonstrating what the love of Christ looks like in action, thank you for sharing 😇🙏🏻

[@mikerobertson4041]

This song has always touched me very deeply. My youngest brother was born with disabilities, and when he was small I literally carried him. No, he wasn't heavy, he's my brother.

[@Whateva67]

☺️

[@warbaby5490]

"He ain't heavy he's my brother" was a quote from an orphan who had carried his brother for miles to reach Father Flanagan's Boys Town for shelter!

[@garyshaddy8932]

Yes it was and is in the farm land just out side of Omaha Nebraska!

[@lonewanderer3456]

I understand the quote to originally be from a young Scottish girl carrying her brother, which Father Flannagn later heard/read and felt it was exactly the sort of message he wanted for Boy's Town and the 'legend' in the US sprang from there. "He's ni heavie, he's mah brither"

[@angelchavez458]

That is true father Flanigan asked him can I help you the older replies no father he ain't heavy he's my brother it was later put on a stamp the hollies got a hold of it looked into it the rest is history a masterpiece 👍 that has and will stand the test of time

[@angelchavez458]

@@lonewanderer3456 I read that also heard that

[@burtonmediaprod]

"Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)", "Air That I Breath", and their early British Invasion tracks "Bus Stop", "On A Carousel", "Stop Stop Stop", "Carrie Ann", are great!!

[@dallismurphy3802]

Yes, ALL of these!!

[@vincentschmitt7597]

In Long Cool Woman I always hear incorrectly "sitting in a mass for Batman" lol.

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

My late husband loved “Long Cool Woman”... Great song...and even better memories... I miss you, Don...❤️

[@burtonmediaprod]

@@vincentschmitt7597 There were about 5 or 6 lines I heard wrong in this song. That slap back echo sound on the voice made the song mysterious as a kid.

[@eltonronjovi2238]

@@vincentschmitt7597 lol. 😄

[@cheriemelissa]

This is all about caring for your fellow human beings. Brilliant lyrics and harmonies. This group is part of the British invasion of the 60's.

[@8ofwands300]

That's how I interpret this - we are all each other's brothers and sisters...And why not share and help each other?

[@TT-js4jn]

Sadly it's changing now.. breaks my heart.

[@dbradx]

Oh man, this is absolutely on of the all-time greats. 😀 Fantastic lead vocals, killer harmonies, the band is tight, and the message is universal - we're all brothers and sisters, and we're all on this ride together. We should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. Great reaction as always guys, peace and love from Canada!☮

[@kthor]

What a great comment!

[@kfiscal01]

My wife had this played at her brother's funeral. He was 49 and struck with an aggressive blood cancer that took him within a year. There was not a dry eye. Rip Joey 🙏

[@veronicawebster3282]

Father Flanagan answered the door at boy's town and saw a boy carrying a boy who could not walk. Father said put him down, he looks heavy. The boy said he ain't heavy, he's my brother. There was a movie made in the 40's about Boys Town that included that scene. You're reaction was touching and heartfelt. This song has always brought a tear to my eyes.

[@ToddSauve]

There is (or was) a place in the US called Boys Town that took in orphaned boys and raised and educated them until they were ready for life. That is what the song was based on. During the Vietnam war it was adopted to retrieving wounded soldiers or even their dead bodies so they could be returned to the families back home. It is a great and timeless song that reinforces the Biblical passage that we are to "love our neighbour as ourselves." A great way to start the day! 😉👍💘😎

[@edprzydatek8398]

Oh, there still is a Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska and in 8 other locations in the U.S. They are now boys and girls towns. And they take in not necessarily just orphans but kids from troubled situations. There is a statue there of a boy carrying a younger boy on his back. The younger boy is half asleep and the older boy is smiling. I guess the younger boy had braces on his legs and would get helped around the campus, especially on stairs. One day a priest (maybe Father Flanagan) asked of he needed help and the older boy replied; "He ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother." We visited there when we were in Omaha one time. They do great work and we send a little donation from time to time.

[@davidolson2729]

I live in Omaha, Boys Town is a National Historic Landmark. Charles Manson was sent there, but ran away after being there only a few days.

[@richardlaub889]

@@edprzydatek8398 Spent 5 years there. What a wonderful place for a young troubled boy and now girls. Spent the Bi-Centennial (1976) with a Bic lighter and firecrackers and my brothers. I had a ball. Best memory from my youth. We went into Omaha every Friday night for roller skating, or movies. We had dances with the local HS girls and we took pride in sports. Great memories.

[@ToddSauve]

@@richardlaub889 It is truly wonderful to hear of the success stories from places like Boys Town. They make this world a better place!

[@ohmightywez]

@@richardlaub889 You’re an example of Father Flanagan’s belief that “There are no bad boys. There is only bad environment, bad training, bad example, bad thinking.”

[@DreamWriterDKS]

This song comes on during military ops...everyone stops. The song we all feel in our hearts; military and civilian. (Navy Vet here)

[@davideberhart9523]

Bravo Zulu!

[@judybagg9197]

How lovely! Thank you for your service sir!

[@frankhylla3818]

Hooah Army here

[@wilfbentley6738]

You've never heard the Hollies!!!!!!!!!! You haven't lived until you've heard "The Air That I Breathe" and "Long Cool Woman".

[@georgeralph8031]

One of the 'heaviest' songs ever recorded...when we teens first heard it on the radio in the 60's we were stunned into complete silence listening the gravity of the song. Still considered one of the Top 25 Songs ever recorded. To this very day.

[@bethking7348]

This world needs more of this beautiful philosophy

[@chaspullen3544]

And let me give a shout out to all my Brothers that have served and are still serving in our military Keep On Keepin On y'all peace out!

[@stevetreloar3129]

The Hollies harmonies are epic! You'll love 'The Air That I Breath'!!!

[@jackstraw6859]

This was a special song for my kid brother who was handicapped. I carried him every where. And he was never a burden. He's my brother. And now we're old men. That love will never go away.

[@RicoBurghFan]

My Dad use to play this in the car and he said listen to the words, this is what humanity is about, and hopefully I've learned that lesson. I gotta say you two have some of the most insightful, intelligent reactions out there. Peace to you both and always be happy with each other.

[@sallybannister6224]

100% Agree all you say ... You guys are the best.. you just get it and such a varied list of reactions . As we would say In London .. You guys are pucker ..

[@blackprix]

The lyrics in this song just like a whole lot of others back in the day, came forth with meaning and words to make the world better! This is one of those songs! The hollies just killed it, what an inspirational song… And boy did they really capture it with their voices and the overall music. This song will always be a keeper

[@D12-t8s]

You actually had to know how to "SING" in the 60S 70s 80s to get a record contract.

[@forevalearning]

Wow what a way to remember our brother Jim Wagner R.I.P. ❤️ He loved you both because you carried him through many tough times and made him happy in your LIVES, in Discord and wherever he could hear you both. He was never a burden, he was never heavy, Jim was plain and simply our brother. Much ❤️ and respect to Jim's wife and family. Much ❤️ and respect Asia and BJ.

[@donnabannister793]

Beautiful words MikeyG❤

[@Cooljack906]

This song makes me cry everytime I hear it as alot of 60s songs do. Most are about love and peace for humanity. Takes me back to my childhood. My parents were alive and life seemed simpler. Great memories!

[@miltonslocum8957]

This song is so beautiful and has a timeless message. The Hollies make you feel the words and then the harmonica just brings it home. My baby brother, who's in his 60's, and I have been saying these words to each other since the 70's. Many times in jest, but in truth as it is to our other siblings and their families. Enjoyed your reaction and your thoughtful comments as well!

[@mikeshoe74]

I couldn't imagine this song without that harmonica. It's just that touch that turns a good song, into a hit song and classic.

[@miltonslocum8957]

@@mikeshoe74 Totally agree!

[@minigirl6839]

These guys were very diverse in their sound. Some of their songs just make you want to dance and jam. This song always, always makes me cry. Every single time.

[@clydeb7713]

The Hollies,MAN! What an AMAZING powerful group with a library of golden songs!

[@1955jeg]

He ain't heavy Father... he's my Brother symbolized the spirit of Boys Town.

[@fridaylong2812]

It's written on the base of the statue.

[@bradsullivan2495]

A powerful song that resonated with Vietnam veterans.

[@roo-pf7qw]

Exactly ✌️🇭🇲

[@johnmccarthy-behindtheveil]

60's had some really talented and gifted bands and singers. No auto tunes here. his is Graham Nash's first band, before CSNY.

[@janabraam7963]

Asia, you made me cry. I suffer with depression & I don't talk because I don't want to feel that way. You are so inciteful. Bless you. I've listened to these guys for 50 years but these days this song makes me cry.

[@sallybannister6224]

Bless you. Know that you are special to someone.

[@janabraam7963]

@@sallybannister6224 I know.

[@michaelnarey5037]

Growing up in the 60s was like hippie heaven. The songs were about love and unity. It was a great time

[@theresareynolds3133]

This song reminds of the No Brother Left Behind military motto. My husband is a retired US Navy pilot, and we have 2 grandson's that are Marine's, and our granddaughter is also a Marine. The video to this is heartbreaking.

[@yolbrennan859]

God Bless US military men and women

[@eyepatch3769]

Based on an orphanage called Boys Town. Father Flannigan was standing out front and observed a young boy giving a piggyback ride to a smaller boy. Father asked if he could help, and the young man responded, " He's not heavy, he's my brother"

[@dannycasson1551]

Absolutely one of the greatest songs of all time. The message is always fresh no matter what era. Charity for one another but also for your fellow man. Especially those who are hurting or overwhelmed.

[@scottmatzeder9162]

No dive into the Hollies is complete without hearing "The Air that I breath"!

[@mdennis9496]

The LIVE is nice, BUT studio version is BETTER! The harmonies will almost bring you to tears, especially at the ending part of the song. Treat yourself and listen to the Studio Version

[@saturnnet1627]

The studio version you really get the full emotional impact with the soaring vocals and instruments at the end.

[@tinahairston6383]

This is my ALL-TIME favorite of theirs. Air That I Breathe is next. Long Cool Woman In a Black Dress and Bus Stop are so great!

[@johnfaram4684]

one of the greatest songs, sung by the one and only allan clarke

[@michaeljulian1891]

Y'all are cute to watch. Love y'all experiencing the music I grew up with. Welcome to my world (70 year old Army Sergeant)

[@kirkdarling4120]

They are cute, aren't they? It was a good music world back then (70 year old Air Force sergeant).

[@xpswebstar420]

"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" is a ballad written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. Robert William Scott (January 29, 1937 - November 5, 1990) was an American musician, record producer, and songwriter. Bob Russell (April 25, 1914 - February 1970) was an American songwriter (mainly lyricist) born Sidney Keith Rosenthal in Passaic, New Jersey. The song was introduced to The Hollies by Russell's son-in-law Jefferey Spearitt, who was living in London at the time with his wife Simohn.

[@jerickson725]

I'm so glad you reacted to this beautiful song with a beautiful message. As always, I appreciate your reactions; thoughtful, intelligent, honest, and/or fun/humorous! 😊

[@freebirdtony]

"The Air That I Breathe" is a Hollies classic. I highly recommend it. Peace Out 😊✌

[@pottsan4]

The singer of the hollies was on a trip to India and came across a 6 year old kid who was carrying a 10 year old kid with no legs. He got chatting with the kid and asked “ isn’t he heavy”. The reply he got was “ he ain’t heavy he’s my brother”

[@aonevarietystore7205]

Actually, the entire song was based on Fr Flanagan's Boy's Town in Nebraska. The statue is at the entrance.

[@TheJohnnywbred]

He ain’t heavy he’s my brother.. one of rocks greatest songs 🙌

[@brucevidito4923]

A song that hits at the heartstrings. My brother's and I know how we feel for each other. And my brother's from another mother share a brotherly love. No shame in loving your brother(s).

[@SnowLady_164]

My 22 year old brother and his friends were at my moms kitchen table, talking about what if. Soon, they got around to funerals. My brother said he wanted this song played at his funeral, as his friends carried his casket. One month later he was murdered. We honored his wish. It hurts 50+ years later, but the song is still special, to me.

[@Kenji1962Boss]

You kids make my heart so happy. Your response to this song what the WORLD needs RIGHT now. Much love and respect to you both. ❤

[@mistermikeyjay]

Man, this song hits home. Here in Toronto Canada, there was a Public Service Announcement in the 80s/90s that used this song and was about substance abuse by loved ones. I think YT has it if you check "Ontario PSA He Ain't Heavy" or something like this. Just a beautiful song. Thanks for the reaction, take care and stay safe.

[@cammybaby01]

I dedicate this to my former roommate. He was the first person to full get me, being autistic. He encouraged and supported me through many hard times. When asked why he put up with many of my most unstable moments, maybe not word for word, but this song relays the exact feeling of his answer.

[@deniseperryman2814]

The Hollies is my husbands favourite group of all time they started in the early sixties an English group they were absolutely brilliant we went to see them live all the time and they sound just the same live as they do on record definitely one of our greatest groups of all time please react to them singing All I Need is the Air that I Breath great reaction Love from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍👏👏👏👏💞💞💞💞💞

[@redpine8665]

I actually think this way be the best written, and most meaningful song in the history of recorded music.

[@vanburger]

A song I've known all my life...is wonderful to watch someone discover it for the first time! Full of complex meaning...I cried....x

[@cindyphifer970]

Love this song and this is the motto for Boys Town, who I donate to when I can. I saw all the Osmonds on Oprah one time and they sang this and dedicated it to their brothers that are hearing impaired. Had me in tears

[@charlenewoods1967]

Such a Great group from the 60"s....One of my favourites.

[@florencemiller7826]

Song I'll bring you to tears, is made so many moons ago, I wish this kind of music would come back

[@jutwilton2805]

The Hollies " long tall woman in a black dress " please :)

[@bostonvair]

You just have to love the message of this song. So beautiful. You are in for a treat! Clark Griswold below has a great list for future reacting: "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress), " Air That I Breathe," "Bus Stop" "On A Carousel," "Carrie Ann," "Just One Look." Also, for a song with a similar vibe and message, check out Bill Withers' "Lean on Me."

[@florencemiller7826]

All I need is the air that I breathe absolutely love that song and he ain't heavy He's My brother

[@kustomdeluxe8489]

As I held him and watched his life slip away, " he's my brother" were the only word's I spoke to the emergency responders while sitting in a puddle of blood at the scene of his fatal motorcycle accident 39 years ago. Now I need to burn one.

[@keymack2477]

Nice reaction, you two!! The Hollies were great with many wonderful songs to react to! The one you dare not miss is the lovely "The Air That I Breathe"! Cheers!!

[@bonsai67]

This song always makes me tear up. He ain't heavy He's my brother. Damn.

[@michaelgoldberg7127]

The IMMORTAL Buddy Holly had 2 bands named in his honor and memory. The Beatles and The Hollies.

[@jasonredcliffe652]

Thank You this brings tears 😢to my eye's. We are all Brothers and sisters God bless you and keep doing what you do. United

[@SandraDeefan]

Amen

[@cherylcuffee5081]

This is the greatest reaction to this song ever and it's the first time I get the song. I have heard it numerous of times and you guys made the meaning for real. Thank you.

[@kitcatsaunders]

The Hollies are amazing I agree please listen to more of them you won’t be sorry.Good vibes and much love ,thank y’all for all the great reactions and connections you make to your listeners .🙏❤️😇

[@bashab3098]

My Dad and his Brother worked their entire life together played sport together schooled together and were always there for each other both gone now this reminds me of them so much . ❤️❤️❤️

[@kestrelle5345]

I love their "Bus Stop".

[@ritchiec6317]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS. ESPECIALLY THE STUDIO VERSION. REMINDS ME OF MY BROTHER'S WHO PASSED AWAY. ONE IN '94 AND MY OTHER BROTHER IN 2010. I MISS THEM WITH ALL MY HEART. LOVE YOU TONY AND JOE FOREVER AND EVER AMEN

[@edvinlaine]

My dear friend passed away sober, but needle had done damage decades earlier. This song was played at his funeral by his younger sister.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man what a great touching song! This song is not only about your brother! But also taking cake of each other when thing in life gets harder your fellow friends.

[@leecook8818]

My brother has always disliked me, but I have always loved him and would do anything for him, and still do, our parents have gone, and we are both in our 60s. I always check on him and give Christmas and birthday presents, with nothing in return. I don’t mind about that. People tell me to stop it, but he is my brother and I look out for him.

[@markbiggs6302]

Thank you guys. I needed that.

[@snivelinj7612]

This song played on the radio all the time back in the day. Great song, great band !

[@susanpierce4880]

The Hollies were great,our music back then was all wanting peace and love for everyone...

[@dianareddell1496]

God, I love this song and that vocal performance. Pure perfection and such a wonderful message.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

This Classic Comes With An Important Message For Us ALL,, Ralph McTell "Streets Of London".. A MUST HEAR.

[@sarahanderson8635]

Such a beautiful song and lovely reaction!

[@johnbrookes3261]

The Hollies big 60s band from the uk .Great song great reaction to a song that just makes you stop and reflect on life . They had many hits my favourite is All i need is the air that i breath .

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Definitely a fav and my favorite song in the realm of caring about humanity and dong what you can to help out some one who is in a hopeless situation ..

[@virginiadurant9954]

The song is about help your fellow man. We are all brothers and sisters in this world. The long and winding road he talks about is the journey through life. People need to be kind and help people when they need help. Love you guys.

[@simonesays7222]

Such a beautiful song.... makes me tear up every single time.. 💕

[@lindylou7853]

They played this song a few weeks ago at an English premier league football match - Everton vs Manchester City - where one player on each side was from Ukraine. Very emotional match. Players all wore special yellow and blue T shirts or were draped in Ukrainian flags. The Hollies come from Manchester.

[@WalterLamon]

Look up a movie from 1938 called Boys Town. Spencer Tracy is Father Flannigan who oversaw Boys Town, Nebraska for orphaned boys. "No Father he ain't heavy, he's my brother" is from the movie. It is a National Historic Landmark still in operation today. It is now boys and girls. It carries a universal message..

[@roswails1492]

every summer we traveled to nebraska to visit family and we would stop by boys town

[@helgar791]

This song, in my mind, is dedicated to all those who live the struggle, and especially those people in the Ukraine, some of whom are counting the last precious seconds of their lives. My heart goes out to those under the blue and yellow.

[@Hi-kq1vi]

A huge hit for them here twice-number 3 in 1969 & it was rereleased in 1988 & went to number 1 when it was used in a beer advert.

[@eddielane9569]

This song is so much needed in this time we are in. The Hollies were a British rock group that were very famous and put out a lot of great songs. Some of their members are still alive today. There is a video on KZbin with the song playing to Vietnam War videos that is very good to watch. The more I've listen to this song the more it tugs at my Heartstrings because at 58 years of age life is going by but this song helps you realize that it is always great to bring someone along with you giving them all the support you can. People need to know that they're not a burden to you and that you will be there with them no matter what happens. Think of all the people that have taken their life because they did not feel anyone was there for them. Always let you family and friends know you love them.

[@lisadelahaye6568]

am so so glad that you watched the video of this fabulous song. oldie goldie with such feelings

[@tediousmaximus1067]

This is amazing considering it was a live performance. It sounds almost like the studio recording.

[@markthoele1808]

It’s ok to shed a tear.

[@TomCurless]

It's healthy for our souls

[@Eowyn187]

I am so thankful I got this stuff, old hippy music, in my head and heart, when I was just a little one. 5, 6, 7 years old. From my much older brother's music. And the radio.

[@sabrinamarkos7099]

Thanks my friends for reminding me with this song. I guess I needed to hear this now. I am a senior who feels really cumbersome at this time in my life. You just helped me make a decision about something. Basically I'm going to be there for someone this week that gave me an invitation for dinner with her and her family. We've been sistas/friends for 48 years. I've been feeling some kind of way because it's time for me now. But I'm going. She ain't heavy, she's my sister. 👍🏾👵🏿💜

[@jamesdrynan]

Possibly the only song to include the word " encumber. " A great song by a great group! For your enjoyment: Back in 1917, a place called the " Home for Boys" was started in Omaha, Nebraska for orphaned and abandoned children by Father Flanagan. A boy named Harry Loomis, abandoned by his mother, had polio and wore leg braces. Walking was difficult for Harry and the stairs were a real challenge. Soon, several older boys would voluntarily carry him up and down the stairs. Father Flanagan watched this one day and asked Reuben Granger, the older boy, if it was hard doing that. He replied, " Oh, he ain't heavy, Father, he's my brother. " True story!

[@my.business]

*The true story is about a Boys town place for kids and one of the boys had polio & could not walk. The boys staying there carried him from place to place and there is a statue placed there of a older boy carrying a younger one.. That is where the words came from.*

[@joee1213]

This song makes me emotional thinking about my brothers. Especially being the oldest. Super rare to get an actual live video of a song like this on tv like this. They almost always had bands lip sync back then and pretend to play. I was surprised. Yeah check out “long cool woman in a black dress”..so good. That song alone with the name The Hollies has so much attitude. Also was on remember the titans.

[@johnthegreek5836]

This is a fricken awesome song and The Hollies were a great band! This will always be a gem of classic

[@MisterWondrous]

Like BJ said, this song is golden, and should stay with you forever. Very few songs can you say that about. This is akin to "Abraham, Martin & John" in that way. The Hollies became Crosby, Stills & Nash when they joined forces with Buffalo Springfield, where Neil Young was also a member. "Bus Stop" is a catchy early song by them. Like Asia said, you take care of your family elders at all costs. After they have gone, you are rewarded in sleepful nights. And an enhanced ability to carry others. Such a delight to see y'all receive this wondrous musical gift of humanity. Spread the love! Peace.

[@francesthompson593]

The Hollies have been around since the Beatles started and have had many hits. One of their members left Graham Nash left to join Crosby Stills and Nash.

[@terereynolds698]

This song means so much to different people in terms of it's meaning. I was born in 1958, Dwight D Eisenhower was president, then the war in Viet Nam, for me this song represents the term No Brother Left Behind, I believe it was the Marine's that made the term their motto, even though it was goes for all branches of the military. My dad was in Viet Nam, both of my grandpa's were in WW, my husband was at Desert Storm, I have 2 grandson's that are Marine's and a granddaughter in law in the Marine's. I'm very proud of my military family, past and present.

[@ericmorgan204]

Sure hope you continue your ride with the Hollies, they are the class act. I was a teen when Bus Stop was first released, I’m in my 70’s now and my wife and I went to see them in concert a couple of years ago, and they were awesome.

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

Best written song in my lifetime.

[@LindaEll]

This song is so profound. One of my favorites from my high school years.

[@cathyopthof8136]

Beautiful, huh? The Hollies were so fantastic. Listen to Long cool woman, The air that I breathe...and so many more. Heavenly band.😇