The Justice Collective - He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother (2012)

The Justice Collective's cover of The Hollies' 1969 hit He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - Sir Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Paloma Faith, Beverley Knight, Melanie C, Andy Brown (Lawson), Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes To Hollywood), Mick Jones (The Clash), Peter Hooton (The Farm), Chris Sharrock (Oasis), Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Ren Harvieu, Dave McCabe (The Zutons), Paul Heaton (The Beautiful South), Shane MacGowan (The Pogues), Hollie Cook, Jon McClure (Reverend And The Makers), John Power (Cast) and Gerry Marsden (Gerry And The Pacemakers).

Single released 17th December 2012

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[jmsjrtt]

I love this song. The story behind it it beautiful too. Back in 1918, a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys, which had opened just a year earlier. Howard had polio and wore heavy leg braces. Walking was difficult for him, especially when he had to go up or down steps.

Soon, several of the Home’s older boys were carrying Howard up and down the stairs.


One day, Father Flanagan asked Reuben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard.


Reuben replied, “He ain’t heavy, Father… he’s m’ brother.”

[grnberetvet]

Dedicated this to my brother, who together we walked a very rough road in life. Both served under fire in Vietnam, different units. Both saw the horrors of war. Although we were five years apart, we celebrated each other's wedding anniversary this past October. He passed away this past February, and if there was a way for me to carry his burden, I would have done so as this song proclaims, He ain't heavy he's my brother.

[Prayn]

Love you Bro, stay strong, happy Easter

[williamrimberg]

how amazing is this version of one of the most underrated great songs of all-time? Just love it.

[phoenixkb]

The last time I saw my brother, it was when I flew to Sydney 23 years ago to bring his body back to NZ for burial. This song resonates to the Soul, and whenever and wherever I hear it I just cry. Miss you my Brother Phillip and no matter how heavy things got for you I'm sorry that I wasnt there to carry you that last time. RIP Phillip Kingi Jnr. Auckland. NZ. Thank you Guys for this song. It's a Masterpiece!

[lallawmkimihnamte]

I love this song, can't stop crying .Please Stop War .We all our brothers and sister.All we want is PEACE . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[ajvalle]

This was the mom's favorite song... Miss you mom, since you're gone I ain't the same... Miss you every time... Every second... Thanks for this people... The fucking world should be different with the correct people... Take care, please don't be afraid to be alive... From the bottom of my heart... Love you mom

[charlescastro]

Oh, my god. Can't stop crying. When we think we've heard it all, it comes a new version and makes us mouth open with joy, like me now. A song from heaven.

[andrex]

This is why I cried out listening the song.A song that never dies. I was just 17 when it was released... And I was just in love with my First love in the spring of that year! So many memories accompanied by this song. Thank you, God bless you all of you.

[elizabethg]

Ah, this is amazing! The voices, blends, music you can definitely feel in your soul! ❤

[brianlau]

First time I've ever heard this version. Wow!

[bizarr]

and I'm still listening to this music in 2021

[nancytaylor]

My twin brother Billy gone 10 years on August 10 2020. Miss him dearly, we were womb mates

[TheBlueskyson]

Gr8 stuff. love this song. The story behind it is beautiful too. Back in 1918, a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys, which had opened just a year earlier. Howard had polio and wore heavy leg braces. Walking was difficult for him, especially when he had to go up or down steps.


Soon, several of the Home’s older boys were carrying Howard up and down the stairs.


One day, Father Flanagan asked Reuben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard.


Reuben replied, “He ain’t heavy, Father… he’s m’ brother.”

[RETIREMESOON]

When I was 9 I joined the 20 mile walkathon for the boys home in Sudbury Onatario Canada.
I had short legs at 9 and I didn't think that I could endure so at the last minute my 12 year old brother gave up his favorite summer baseball league game to join me..
At mile 14 I began to fade and my strong athletic brother picked me up on his shoulders to carry me 6 long
I noticed that people would often stop my brother to ask him if I was heavy ? I knew he was weakening from thirst and pain....but....he simply replied to them " HE AIN'T HEAVY HE'S MY BROTHER " was years later that I heard the story and song ... and understood.
I cried years later when I carried his casket after he died saving a dog in a fire for a little boy that asked it of him. And when pallbearers asked if he was heavy I said no..!!... " HE AIN'T HEAVY HE'S MY BROTHER "

[abelinolopez]

I heard this song so many times but just understood the significant of it just now.... It brought me to tears and the hairs on my arm stood

[dale]

So many familiar faces - Neil Sedaka - Paul McCartney in this beautiful set of lyrics brought to us by the Hollies in 1969. A legacy song.

[gian]

I have 2 brothers that I grew up with, and all I can think is if I'd lose one of them. This song hits on every weak spot I have. Whatever message the writer was trying to send, I say it delivered fast and furious.

[PakSandybali]

Forevergreen immortal song. Thank you for sharing.

[jozefhatert]

To all my brothers sisters in world . Refugees, homeless people, the sick we all are brothers and sisters live under same sun..youre burden is not heavy for me im carry it with you..not physical but my prayers is for everyone in earth