"The Weight" (Part 1) | Behind The Song | Playing For Change

In this episode of Behind The Song, we sit down with songwriter and former member of The Band, Robbie Robertson, and PFC producer Mark Johnson, to talk about "The Weight." Get an inside look at how this Song Around The World came to be...
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Playing For Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music, born from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. Our primary focus is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos we call Songs Around the World. Creating these videos motivated us to form the Playing For Change Band-a tangible, traveling representation of our mission, featuring musicians met along our journey; and establish the Playing For Change Foundation-a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building music and art schools for children around the world. Through these efforts, we aim to create hope and inspiration for the future of our planet. Learn more: playingforchange.com
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[@paulolet4766]

The world has just lost Robbie, his music will live on forever! The song is phenomenal, but Robbie's smile at the end puts a an epic exclamation point on this fabulous piece.

[@joannehack7588]

AMEN

[@user-he7js5ch4n]

What a Wonderful Truth...❤

[@elgenetiamzon1062]

Rest In Peace Robbie, Richard, Rick and Levon. Thank you for blessing us with your musical talents.

[@Yanto-Bardic]

" It just re-affirms that thing that we all believe, that no matter how many things in life that divide us it's never going to be as strong as the power of music to bring us together" Well Said!.

[@josephr.lejeune4539]

Beautiful beyond words! Thank you for the love!

[@Kreepyb5]

Yes!!🫶🏼🫶🏼✌️

[@iconoclastKM]

Robbie Robertson..! Thanks to you and the other four for the great music... a big part of the soundtrack of my life. May God Bless and Rest your soul in Heaven..! 🙏

[@danc.2457]

Amen , and Levon we will always remember and miss you ... Richard Manual and Rick Danko the beautiful Robbie ...

[@charlesmitchell487]

Every time I see the video it makes me cry. There are so many Playing for Change videos, but this is the best. It's incredibly moving and it's shared equally among all the musicians in it. The MOST important part is that they bring their gifts to serve the song, not their egos. You can see that they love the song which I think is why it's so poignant for me.

[@lindahoff6415]

Music is truly the universal language and diversity makes everything better!

[@MarcAmAlb]

Goodbye, Robbie. Thanks for the music. You will be sorely missed.

[@sg3596]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Thank you Robbie.

[@11calman]

I'm over 80 and still doing this song which i was singing in the very early 70s in a little Gold mine town called "Kalgoorlie"

[@Armentitron]

WA REPRESEEEENT

[@11calman]

@@Armentitron Well there ya go

[@11calman]

@Best Player On the field Thanks,, nice return

[@mrmockatoo6786]

Yeah, but you murdered it, Gib. Luckily, Ann was there as usual to save your arse. Brings back some memories - I think x

[@11calman]

@@mrmockatoo6786 Nice one, and of course, i pinched you best lick for this one, maybe I should have pinched the other two,, ( Love ya mate),, (Have a look at Ann singing "Hello" Plug your ears for the solo,, or "Nessun Dorma " on a PRS)

[@annanutherthing4373]

Vale Robbie Robertson . Gorgeous tribute for the 50th Anniversary of his song ‘ The Weight’. A timeless legacy.

[@wendycooper2525]

I can’t count the number of times I have listened to this. Just fabulous. Let my grandsons know and hope they like it as much as Indo.

[@bonniebabird]

GOD I remember the moment this song blasted thru the speakers way back then!!! I'm SO HAPPY to hear ALL of the beautiful people of the WORLD singing it together. namaste, Starchildren

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Thanks to all who participated in making this, with so much skill, and love. The most satisfying song I have ever played, in our band. Music, the gift that keeps giving.

[@artb4dishes]

Robbie’s smile at the end was just so wonderful... fabulous song/video

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Robbie always had a smile that would light up the room, especially when he was younger, he was so good looking.

[@jeffcozens5596]

The Weight when you hear it the hairs on your neck stand up it is music that is just so special The Band I miss them and this version is great glad it happened

[@bogdanRules]

I don't know if it's only the abundance of instruments but you have the best sound on the KZbin. Your sound engineers are on God Mode.

[@Vnachi8]

I never thought I'd ever appreciate anyone other than Rick Danko singing his verse, glad to say I was wrong, Lukas Nelson killed it.

[@ralex3697]

Vnachi8 I thought so too Much respect for Lukas, his talent is undeniable

[@cactusgaming5289]

He's just like his father both singing style and guitar playing

[@dylan8670]

Strange to hear you say that. I did not like that verse here but I liked all the others.

[@Vnachi8]

Dylan, in that case I can only point to the ever wise Gary Coleman and his lessons on Different Strokes.

[@greatganski8118]

Facts on facts.

[@janefriel6895]

Just at the weekend i was sitting with my family outside in the beautiful weather.My son in law brought out his dot( is that what its called?).I requested it play "The Band". So "The weight " played.We all discussed the band,the song and this video. Three generations listening to one song and found a common thread.I a fan of The Band,my children knew the song and grandchildren really don't have a choice. They hear "The weight " every time they visit me.To see my little baby grandson recognise the music with joy is priceless. If i can leave anything behind in this world i hope i leave how to appreciate, enjoy and love good music and fabulous musicians. Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved in this production. Its a lesdon in itself.☘

[@suzannedawson4120]

I love these videos around the world. “The Weight” is one powerful and timeless song!

[@ebsenraptzski9522]

powerless and timeful, morelike

[@u.v.s.5583]

Yes, there is a song by that name that is powerful and timeless. Only it is a different song, by Sieges Even. I mean, I kind of hoped they would talk about that one. It is a very much stronger song.

[@joanflynn1408]

Just so beautiful!!!

[@joanflynn1408]

@@ebsenraptzski9522 dumbass!

[@joanflynn1408]

Yes and always will be!

[@raymondbriscoe9467]

From WOODSTOCK, NY to around the world. Fabulous!. I heard it LIVE at the CORRAL REEF in Middlehope, New York. The BAND sadly to say WAS! a GREAT BAND!. 👍 MAY GOD! BLESS THEM. ROBBY ROBERTSON THANKS! FOR SOME GREAT TIMES I HAD HEARING YOU GUY'S.

[@dougsiva7015]

Hi Mark Johnson, I saw the song you produced (part 2) on FB today (11 Aug '23), for the first time, as a part of a memorial to Robbie Robertson who died two days ago. I came back to YT and discovered part 1 of your video on how you made the video, which was very interesting and I applaud your work and words you speak about music and what it does esp for a (timeless) song 50 yrs old and it's homage to the writer and how it all works well today around the world which is so very true. I didn't want the song to end, I was trying to think how many verses there were and if there were more musicians to come. I'm going to keep playing part 2 - in part 1 you showed clips of The Band singing along with the current performers, which was great, I thought maybe you should do a part 3 which is part 1 together with The Band, that would be tops!!! Bob Dylan is my all time number 1 (I've seen him 17 times in concert here in Australia) so I'm going to search for All Along The Watchtower which you mentioned in part 1 excellent videos please keep it up - I'm also going to search for more of your work cheers Doug Perth, Australia

[@chasscollard4254]

Yo, shout out to Perth one of my favourite places I have visited ever. Also shout out to Rotto, Margs, and Freo. The Weight is sublime and will live forever.

[@dougsiva7015]

@@chasscollard4254 Hi Chass a shout out back to you where ever you are (might have to be a yell from this distance) all those places you mentioned are great we are spoiled here we're going to Margaret river in a few weeks, visit anytime you like we're empty nesters with heaps of room cheers Doug

[@sharonsheehy3128]

Music the universal language,,, so cool to watch and hear X

[@ardysailo]

Music is the only thing that can bring unity and peace

[@marilynryan7822]

Can listen to this version over and over and LOVE the back stories.Thx for an excellent video🦋

[@mauricedumit7905]

Lifted my heart this morning on a day that felt heavy and ominous. Deep thanks to all who helped produce this video! Hopefully, when all this is over we will remember we are one world and we are all bonded by our humanness. Be good to one another

[@laurencegoldman4639]

That opening guitar lick makes me cry every time.

[@utetrahemicon]

Check out the PFC cover of "Ripple" and read the comments I cried while reading them too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3nSYpmEo715jLc hug your dog and Be Well.

[@phild8095]

The Weight is probably one of the most covered songs ever. I'm a hobbyist singer and player and I've been in countless jams where we did a cover. Always a great time.

[@tacx1]

Everyone should listen to this. It makes us all love one another.

[@stevetrimble7007]

I really liked Marcus kings vocals..really like that guy!!

[@nitwit4947]

Saw this performed live on the Isle of white in 1969 with my new wife.. The band played a set before backing Dylan. Your video brought it all back with more emotion than I had expected. Just wonderfully real powerful music, which we don't get to hear much of now. Also my intro to Larkin Poe which I am grateful for. Very moving, please keep making music like this..

[@lawrencemay8671]

The weight is just what Playing for Change is about. It’s about helping sharing the load.

[@beaumorris5289]

Brings tears to my eyes.. Beautiful... My Favorite Song.

[@johncopeland3826]

The Band. The Weight. Timeless and endless! Wow!

[@possumtit7394]

I love how every corner of the globe touches fingers at the same time

[@cutchopweld5717]

Except Canada. Other than Robbie there isn't 1 Canadian included in any play for change collaboration? Kinda odd?

[@janetkoster6243]

One people. One world! Beautifully done, Robbie!

[@blessthesoul3727]

Indeed music alone can bring us all together! Thanks for doing this!!

[@TheKBK2]

I have watched the video for The Weight countless times, I couldn't tell you why, but this has always been a favorite song of mine since I was a teen. Thank you for doing this song and the many others. Playing for Change is an awesome channel.

[@TokyoBlue587]

I keep coming back to this version of the classic song, always one of my favorites! So many great singers & musicians.

[@djizzah]

that guy in the congo, next level, love it!!

[@mr.authentic2505]

True

[@bertwesler1181]

After 53 years of loving and listening to this song, while listening to "The First Song Heard 'rond the World..." "Hey Jude" I hear Paul belt out, "Take the load of Fanny... Take the load of Fanny... and you out the load right on me..." Naturally, I was so shocked that I head never known about this, I thought... "What if I only one who found this," after so long and never hearing about such a big deal... Maybe~? Well... a few minutes later after an internet search, it was clear it had been know for a long long time. But those few moments of discovery with an old friend, "The Weight" were awesome~! The Weight had only been out for a few days when Paul did that. Tre Cool.

[@mr.authentic2505]

One of the greatest song ever written by a mere mortal

[@michaeljc]

One of the greatest rock songs ever written. Awesome rendition(s)!

[@dreamwell2020]

If this song was the only artifact Robbie left for us, it would be plenty.

[@DiamondCutter423]

This was an amazing song to choose. Ever since it was put up on youtube I've not been able to get it out of my head. And during the song I googled all the musicians I didn't know (I'm 59 years old btw). It was like being in a candy store! I want to especially mention Taimane the Hawaiian ukulele player, she really stood out to me for some reason in this video, and now I know about her thanks to Robbie, his son, and the whole "Playing for Change" family. She's certainly not the only one I discovered (The Argentine accordion player Chango, and Char, and the Jamaican singers to name a few) and I salute you for making this (what I consider) an artistic masterpiece. I tear-up nearly every time I listen to it. THANK-YOU SO MUCH!

[@rumples2698]

this is my happy site

[@texgirl1122]

Diamond Cutter, I had heard Taimane a couple of months ago and was so happy to see her here....and like you, I have looked up the others as well. And I am 62, so music never gets old and neither does this song. Thank you Playing For Change!!

[@DiamondCutter423]

@@texgirl1122 thanks for the reply....there is just "something" about this video that is very positive. Maybe it's because of our age & some nostalgia element, I dunno.

[@SteveGamlin]

Taimene's pure joy at 4:13 perfectly captures this performance for me. I've seen many of the Playing for Change videos. This one rises to the top, beautifully.

[@DiamondCutter423]

@@SteveGamlin same here....that's the exact same spot on the video (4:13) that made me notice too!

[@retromodernism1799]

You can watch this over and over and feel the emotion every time. A masterpiece !

[@gab.man.5228]

Soul & Sincerity. That's what makes the world worth living in.

[@astrophonix]

Yes, sincerity is the key to success, if you can fake that you've got it made.

[@DoomfarerCDN]

I can not wait till you post part 2! I've been listening to Robbie for a long time, and getting to see how well he's doing is great.

[@jysmtl]

The perfect song for this concept and a perfect song in its own right. I never thought any version come come close to the Band’s original, but this is phenomenal. Thank you creating and sharing it.

[@barrypelletier4567]

Aggree

[@RowlandGosling]

Playing for Change continues to bring highly talented musicians from every corner of the globe to play songs that are dear to my heart! The Weight has been enigmatic, spiritual and delivered in a gospel tone! Exactly the song that the world can sing together. Thank you Mark and the PFC team - especially the crew and musicians!

[@robertacofie7387]

Wow, just WOW!!!! Needed this big time………..

[@tacx1]

The best video ever, ever, ever , created. Everyone should let this song set it in

[@janmoline]

Love, love, love it!!!! Soooooo much soul, soooooooo much joy, heart. The music, the people, the cinematography. It all just seeps me away. Can't wait to hear the song through. Love it!!!

[@robertbetof264]

The thread of unity through music. Wonderful! Music will always find good people..

[@ramonaschober600]

Congratulations, PFC! You have really accomplished something special here!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is proof positive that music is a force for good. Great rendition of a timeless classic!

[@midnighttraintogeorgia9304]

This channel is phenomenal 💖 Rocking all around the world 😊

[@patrislemair1754]

So beautiful 😍 I love these series it’s just shows how lovely this world could be if we only gave importance to beautiful things and ideas. Love and blessings to every single soul out there 👋💖🌈

[@dylmars2672]

Thank you so much for share with us more about you guys I love PFC and how everything works. Congratulations to all the PFC musicians you're the best worldwide 💛💚❤Blessings from Salvador Bahia Brazil.

[@Andy-ty2ni]

this was the first song i heard in finding playing for change..and i find them all lifting and a testament to humanity!

[@pkarowic]

Just simply fantastic. I'm in my 60's and I remember the Weight on radio when it was first released. I loved it then and even more now. Hey, Playing For Change thanks for a different perspective of this song using around the world video connection, simply fantastic. Thanks

[@eileenheard4444]

Hands down, my favorite band when I was a kid. I love this!!!

[@guildedtalleywacker4627]

This & all of the PFC videos I've watched so far was/are amazing accomplishments. They are providing an incredible service & a beautiful message to the world. Spread the word people!!!

[@gergemall]

So amazingly beautiful and amazing.

[@leerichards3682]

Ugly does exist in this World, I try and choose to not let it get to me, This is such a powerhouse of positivity, This is what the world needs, and more of it ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️👈🏽X5

[@Kreepyb5]

Power of MUSIC IS A REALITY

[@gustavoheberle6265]

Absolutely Wonderfull !!! Music and hope will always be together !!! Thank you so much for keeping them together ! God bless !

[@gucciysl]

This song has been around from everyone to country-pop-soul-gospel

[@niekdouwes8957]

Hands down the most beautiful song ever made

[@582chappy]

Just incredible how powerful music can be

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I could listen to Robbie play and talk all day. Loved his book also.

[@whocares.20]

I love it. It shows the beauty of a tune, and how it tickled the ears of so many across the World. We want more, I want to play in one someday :)

[@rockmeamodeo]

Love this...these are always heartfelt and soulful versions of great songs!🙏

[@havanakim]

My world loves this. Music for anyone...Everyone...

[@benketchum7500]

I'm playing this song at a show this weekend for a fundraiser for a friend of mine. Its always been a deeply emotional and moving song to me. It think this gig will just add to its meaning for me. The playing for change version is amazing too. I only wish Levon had been around to add his amazing voice.

[@jcl4649botl]

Beautiful. The first singer knocks me out!

[@7swordmary567]

🙏🏼🥺🙏🏼❤ *With Grateful Thanks, RIP ROBBIE, 9 Aug 2023* ❤🙏🏼🥺🙏🏼

[@claumonas]

Beautiful message: such different cultures joined by the music.

[@rubensdesk]

Thank you to all for this. RIP Levon

[@shersunn]

This version of The Weight is one of my favorites. Love Marcus King. Love them all 💞

[@Tommy_Mac]

I'm a nobody but this video made me feel like somebody. Thank you.

[@davidgomezagudo]

It is a fantastic project. The world is full of beautiful and good people united by a unique language, music. Thank you for making it possible!

[@billyblackmon4796]

I have been a fan for about a year and always wondered who the did the editing. As absolutely wonderful as all the musicians are Mark Johnson is pure magic. I play this song loud on a remote speaker to my I phone from you tube on the rare occasions I get our 2001 Jaguar XKR convertable out for slow drive. Thank you Mark.

[@yahoo2020]

WOW!!! I'm 1 big chill bump listening to this. The Love and the Soul that went into making this is awe inspiring

[@ruizmam]

Fantastic work. Fantastic song. Robbie is a very talented guy. Miss Rick and his wondeful voice.

[@donaldlarock1514]

Playing for change is awesome. I grew up with a lot of these songs

[@wendelynanderson9517]

I’ve been a PFC admirer & supporter since seeing Mark interviewed by Bill Moyers in 2008. I was inspired beyond words when I saw that first video featuring the great Roger Ridley. I’ve bought numerous copies their CD’s over the years & one of my favorite things to do is give them out to the buskers & street artists I meet when I travel. It gives me a sense of contributing to the ideas of making connections through art & music that PFC strives to espouse.

[@maureensmith3278]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. What more can i say.

[@GDawg2K2]

There are no words.. Except Thank You!

[@utetrahemicon]

I'm at loss for emojis too.

[@pamgibbons375]

Wow....i could watch that over and over.......

[@denveraspen]

Amazing song and inspired video making. Music as a healer. And God knows we need it.👌

[@ordyhorizonrivieredunord712]

Magic in the air...✨✌😎👍🐱‍🐉

[@fivecitydirttracker4776]

Just............Wow.......PFC has been in my vocabulary sceice PBS and Rodger Ridley shook my world years ago. PFC is something very special. Thank you very much PFC.

[@rumples2698]

my happy place

[@larrypower8659]

“Great songs never end.” And there it is.

[@debbywhittet2581]

AMAZING!!! Smiled & a few tears through the whole song!

[@abomb9299]

In front of bobs house!?! Perfect!

[@jukesters123]

Robbie,thank you. Playing folr change the weight. thank you

[@stephenwalima1486]

Simply INCREDIBLE!!! Thank You...

[@123potential]

The first time I've EVER clicked through to a KZbin ad... Simply, perfectly beautiful x

[@guidorosei4618]

thanks guys, I mean ALL of you that brought together this awesome video

[@janetownley]

Yeah, this stuff is magic 😊🙏🏻