"The Weight" (Part 2) | Playing For Change | Behind The Song

Go "behind the song" with us as producer Sebastian Robertson, discusses making "The Weight" around the world along with featured musicians Lukas Nelson, Marcus King, Sherieta Lewis, Roselyn Williams and more.
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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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[@jbmaine]

What a Gift Sebastian, not only for your dad but for all us too! Thank you and RIP Robbie!!!

[@LeftCoastStephen]

Thank you Sebastian, for sharing your gift to your father with the world. We are all so sorry for your loss.

[@seanhallahan14]

What a beautiful telling! Thank you so much. Love 'n Light best & cheers, Sean

[@AmyFlores-dp5pg]

What a beautiful thing you did for your father and all of us! Thank you!

[@DigitalLazarus]

Rest in Peace, Robbie. Thank you and safe travels. Thanks also Sebastion for this timeless, gorgeous, poignant, splendid gift. Bless you and everyone.

[@dinotrincas9620]

Thanks for recording this masterpiece,you guys makes so many people crying.

[@tonyblack1964]

a fitting tribute to a recently departed legend. Robbie Robertson RIP

[@rexNichol5]

Never gets old. Always as fresh and new as the morning Pacific.

[@toddcotham8733]

Impactful, absolutely.. transcendent unto a new generation ,my heart goes out to Sebastian and his family, Robbie left a mark in this world for all to see,Levon and Rick await him to make beautiful music again.. God Speed.

[@OscarTheJT]

A truly inspired collaboration, and all the more poignant with Robbie's passing. Such a wonderful legacy he leaves this world with.

[@waltwild2451]

If the world is still here in 500 years this song will still be the most wonderful song of the ages.

[@paolostruffi1845]

Thank you Sebastian. Wonderful version and many thanks to all the people involved. BRAVO

[@acatwiththreenames3658]

This is by far my favorite version of the Weight! I love all of the different voices doing the same song.

[@LRH143]

Thanks to each and everyone that created this master piece of a musical video.

[@celestryalcelestryal6690]

On this day this song surpassed it's original impact. I listened to it again today and shared it with friends. My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your Dad. What a gift he gave to us all. He will be missed. I never met him, but today I am in tears knowing I never will.

[@allenstevens1203]

Music is magic. It makes time travel a reality. When I hear The Weight I am transported back all those years ago. Now with this wonderful version it brings a multitude of new destinations that it can take us to. Thanks to all who make magical music and memories

[@danielmurphy8308]

LOVE the tribute to Levon

[@twootters7433]

With what's happening around the world and here in the US right now, I really needed this. Thank you.

[@AZBEEMR]

One year later……UKRAINE!

[@beamorrison]

❤

[@louislawson5438]

Thank you Sebastian, for providing us with "The Weight" sung around the world. Soooo special !!!! I always come back to this video when I need to hear "The Weight". Fourteen times i went to the movie matinee to see, "The Last Waltz". Robbie and The Band have been in my heart for 50 Years. Blessins' Robbie, your music will always be cherished.

[@BarneyDavey]

Thank you, Robbie, for your gift of your music and songs. You deeply inspired and entertained us so well. And thank you, Sebastian, for this touching video. Both parts of this loving tribute are moving and tremendous beyond belief!

[@bpmunroe]

Even their behind the scenes videos are masterfully edited. The Weight always gives me chills

[@jeffbartolovich1741]

You nailed it Sebastian…..what a great gift to your dad. I’ve watched this a lot and it keeps getting better. The best part is that great huge smile at the end. RIP Robbie and Levon. Thanks for touching my soul over the years.

[@BonnyGorilla]

Magic happened here. It was COVID when I saw this and was blown away with hope. @Sebastian, I'm so very happy you had this moment with your Dad, especially that smile. Thank you for sharing your moment with us. RIP R.R.

[@jimz68]

Watched with tears streaming down my face. So wonderful!

[@CapinCooke]

jimz68 ... Likewise. I was surprised at how emotional this was. Bravo. Kudos to all of the performers AND the producers! Job well done.

[@jenniferplevel8163]

Me too! Multiple times!

[@jolandabeach8784]

So nice to see the unity on a global level. Thank you for all you do 💎

[@leighgoldstein3119]

Sebastian, I loved your dad.....It's a great tribute now.....

[@christhomas5348]

Can’t imagine how much work went into this but it was so worth it outstanding

[@kkroessner]

Love Robbie smiling as the end … ❤

[@luc2o]

I enjoyed ALL the Playing For Change songs but this song was OUTSTANDING!! I play this when I drive all the time and it gives such a great feeling.

[@alhambralions5985]

I am very grateful for this version of The Weight. Most everyone is feeling quite isolated now (March 28, 2020), and this collaboration really gives me a feeling of being connected to all who love this song. My brother, sadly gone now, introduced me to the music of the Band. Levon was our favorite, but all of their music was very dear to us. It still resonates, and this rendition made me cry with truly mixed emotions. Thank you, global musicians and Playing for Change, for the comfort given here.

[@sadeyedlady]

Well said 👏

[@ceciliamaille3142]

6'30:"we are all together in this world, we are all together and music reminds us that we are a human race." so true Merman Mosengo, such a beautiful voice and such a beautiful soul. And of course all members of PCF, love you all!

[@stevenrogers1116]

Taking on that Mavis Staples verse is a huge ask, but they found the guy to do it...

[@billskinner8635]

This song..and this video..gets me where I REALLY live! Must have been a major labor of love for Robbie's son.

[@mickeypetty2410]

One of the coolest pieces I've ever heard. Thanks!

[@Tipp_Of_The_Mitt]

Robbie's smile at the end has always been my favorite part of the video.

[@johnneumann3789]

That's a classic song that I've never gotten tired from hearing. Great job.

[@SuperMichelle52]

I just love playing for Chang and I share it with my family and friends !!! It's amazing all of them !! Always puts a smile on my face Thank U All

[@scarybarry224]

Every song I listen to on Playing for change literally raises the hair on my arms. Keep up the great work on uniting a world that is being pushed to be so divided.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

What an amazing/wonderful gift Robbie and The Band, gave to us with this song. And for his son to give back to him, on it's 50th anniversary. I feel the love!

[@jennyrokeach523]

Thank you all for sharing, for being beautiful people making beautiful music

[@pallemadefilm]

Such a great tribute to the global community! Performed by great artists from all around the world - and produced masterfully and professionally! Thank you so much to Playing for Change - you bring us all into this crazy world just a little closer together!

[@mikeillies9023]

So sorry for your loss. What an incredible song

[@lisasanderson4200]

Grew up listening to the Band had no idea what the lyrics meant as a kid, just knew this song made me feel good. Hearing and seeing all the collaboration from around the world. OMG Fabulous! ❤❤

[@markthoele1808]

I smiled through the whole thing. Wonderful choice of players and singers.

[@chada267]

if the. world had more of this..id be happy to live on this rock❤

[@kimkay5443]

I cried with tears of joy and love for The Band, and the good memories it brought. Loved it.

[@mistylittle7545]

This gives me chills. I absolutely love it.

[@pamelashea6045]

My brother and I would sing this all the time one of our favorites. !!! Excellent Rip my bro I sing this all the time

[@3kkoolguy]

That smile at the end says it all. Sebastian may remember it for the rest of his life, but so will all the fans who watched this. A true legend who will never be forgotten.

[@jasonlieberman4606]

When I first watched the original, the moment I saw Larkin Poe, I got so stoked

[@stevemccart9109]

With out a doubt the best playing for change song yet. Perfect song for it.

[@JP-xd6fm]

YES!, I'm so impressed!, I don't know if I like it better than the one from the last waltz with the staple singers.. is hard to say.

[@stevemccart9109]

@@JP-xd6fm i saw the band in 1972 when they opened for Bob Dylan then came back on and backed Dylan. An awesome band.

[@TheNewSkateboardTV]

Thank you. Such an important time for togetherness!

[@kathif17]

❤ a gift to.the world that is universal language❤

[@moritzhummel9747]

After having watched and listened to part 1 so many times, I find all of my impressions confirmed here. All I can say is: Thank You!

[@iconoclastKM]

I had the same experience here, myself.

[@andr00NZ]

I was in Singapore in 1971 when I heard "The Weight" on a borrowed Woodstock 3 album set. Straight away the soul hit me. Nearly 50 years later, it's still fantastic, and Marcus, you're almost Levon. What a fantastic performance from all.

[@PetrosWorld]

J'y ĺ

[@thesilentdj4279]

I love the concept, organization and the music. These artists are all so talented. So good.

[@mamabear1996]

Love this song. I have heard this song all my life. I grew up in the same place as Rick Danko did.

[@lighthouse3879]

One of my favorite all-time songs. I remember 1968 well, for good or for bad.

[@jeffwilliams8074]

The first virus lock down song I watched was "The Weight". It still brings tears to my eyes. The most beautiful thing of course, is that we are all one while we song that song.

[@gregmacdonald9187]

I did not want this to end. Thanks for the sanity.

[@nevwitt8202]

What a song..RIP Robbie...thanks for the music 🍀🍀🍀😊

[@rebeccagroves1096]

My favorite version!

[@zg1000dru1]

Just amazing...like they say in the video...this is a song for so many of us hearkens back to childhood and has been with us all our lives...a beautiful touchstone of Americana. Literally my eyes water watching this and I am transported back to those simpler times. Beautiful.

[@fivetimesyo]

Larkin Poe is an international treasure

[@kelvendyson1508]

Sherita and Rosalynn brought tears to my eyes...they sang so beautifully!!

[@davesettlow7063]

Me too

[@yuraka]

Every time I need some positive energy, I come here after watching "the Weight". Sebastian seems very nice man with warm heart. His papa has good reasons to be proud.

[@gyanissimo]

One of the greatest song from Robbie. Thanks forever. 🙏❤️

[@cb874]

Much much greater than the sum of it's individual parts... Magic

[@stebstebanesier6205]

The way you made your dad smile makes me well-up(read as openly cry) too. Thank you, I have to come back every now and again to get a dose of that smile.

[@emiliaescobar7652]

All of these Singers on this Video are simply Phenomenal, love how they all carried their voices, all the instruments they played & the one's that didn't sing, but played beautifully, just overwhelming! Great Masterpiece here!

[@Cdntrvler54]

R.I.P. Robbie Robertson. And Thank you for such a great song.

[@jaimatony]

THANK YOU

[@dirkditmer453]

As my good friend pointed out- "From the time Grog banged a stick on a rock, music has brought people together". If anything is going to bring this crazy world together, it's music. What a great video!

[@liliantorres4394]

Just amazing!!!

[@joans5953]

My Favorite!

[@ncbmullan]

Making these just has to be the most fun, amazing effort and I can't imagine the joy and thoughtfulness they are spreadiing... thanks . Ever need an old harp player.. I'm there!

[@hamptonking7122]

Love it brother, then again i'm old school and i'm in it for the music.

[@sg3596]

The Band..awesome

[@pamgibbons375]

Thank you….it’s all about the music…..please never stop, it just gets better and better ❤

[@jahrastafari6543]

Very good. Rio de Janeiro - Brazil.

[@charleskowalski7654]

Music has no end.....

[@billproctor1568]

Just saw this for the first time today. Have listened and watched it about 10 times already. Great piece of work. I am amazed. Listened to this song when it first came out. It reminds us that we are all in this together. We are humanity. No matter the color of our skin. No matter if we are rich or poor. We are more alike then we are different. Great job!

[@brad-gu1pt]

Music 🎶 saved my soul and heals this tired old man.

[@joannebamford9228]

An amazing legacy for your😮 dad. RIP Robbie

[@gruntergrilla9333]

Wonderful. Thank you, all

[@audiophileman7047]

I love what this collaboration produced, so much joy and unity of spirit and song. 👍👍👍👍👍 Very well done, Sebastian and thank you! 👍💖🎸😎

[@Bacalao2929]

everyday I miss the laughter from Jamaican women, it echos in my heart forever,

[@pablopickasso4098]

Well you did son!!!1grand job!! Travel well Robie!!

[@mariapapademetri9297]

This is my favorite songs of all times. All the artist are sensational . I can listen to this all day . I often have to play this three or four times to get my fill. I love every second of this video. JOB WELL DONE GUYS

[@davidscott129]

Playing for Change brings out the fact that talent is everywhere. Many of these musicians may not have the worldwide high profile of a Ringo Starr or Robbie Robertson, but when you get them on the same piece of music, they shine. The sitar player may have been a bit starstruck over playing with the big celebs, but when it came time for his solo, he laid it all out and it worked fantastically. The same goes for all of the others who had their time to shine on a virtual world stage.

[@JennyJohn50]

Stunning. I cry every time from the beautiful Everything this song represents & how amazing it just IS. Thank you for the beauty of every person and their talents y'all showcased and shared with the people of the world. Love Love Love. ❤❤❤😘

[@roymartin3433]

Thank you Robbie. Music is the way to bring us together

[@Pizzageek-jc4xp]

Arguably the greatest song every written.

[@loveblue2]

Wow. I absolutely ADORE the Playing for Change - The Weight video. We're living in such a disjointed time, where a segment of American society THINKS we're divided and "need" to hate each other. It makes you just want to shake them and say, "...don't you see? We're all interconnected. And, we can all not only go through life together, we NEED each other." Whenever I'm a little stressed, I watch this video and it just soothes my soul. Robbie Robertson was such an amazing musician. So sorry to hear of his passing. Thank you for making this incredible video for your dad...and for us!

[@mcleodmichael1]

wow. just wow. the heart.

[@waltwild2451]

As fortunate as you guys feel playing this , I feel just as fortunate being able to hear all of you playing it. Beautiful.

[@johnhazlett8395]

Know wot life’s not bad after all, when you can listen to so much great talent

[@terryfenn3940]

Thanks so much...wonderful!

[@Birdawg56SJ]

Super outstanding job ,yes u can see your pops sooo pleased and proud . It's like the greatest cast to a great movie .

[@yvetteguttenbeil145]

Oh my...inspired...thank you 🙏🏽 RIPower Robbie ❤

[@rdaugherty52]

It's Art a painter takes a bunch of colors mixes them together and comes out with a beautiful painting. This is a bunch of musicians put together in away that the end result is beautiful and amazing I watch this over and over love it. Thanks for this beautiful work.

[@cindysmall5286]

This is so awesome what you put together from every musician I was oblivious to, how you took it around the world all cultures, music is what makes the world one for sure. This was probably one of your Dads most memorable, and overwhelming gifts of all. Unbelievable. My heart is just pounding with love tears and I can’t wait to find out who all these incredible young stars are. Fantastic job. Thank you