“I have always loved the song - ‘He Ain’t Heavy’ - because of the great message in the song. This song was written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. It was originally recorded by Kelly Gordon in 1969; but then became a worldwide hit for THE HOLLIES later that year and also a minor hit for Neil Diamond in 1970. Other artists have also done their versions of this beautiful ballad.
There is a great story behind this song. According to our research, back in 1918 a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home For Boys; which had only opened a year earlier. Young Howard had polio and had to wear heavy leg braces; which made walking very difficult for him – especially when he had to go up or down stairs.
Soon, several of the home’s older boys started carrying Howard up and down the stairs. One day Father Flanagan asked one of these older boys - Reuben Granger - if carrying Howard was hard. Reuben simply replied: ‘He ain’t heavy, Father...He’s my brother.’
The story continues from there. Later in 1943, Father Flanagan was glancing through a copy of ‘Ideal Magazine’; when he saw an image of an older boy carrying a younger boy on his back. The caption read: “He ain’t heavy, mister….he’s my brother.” Immediately he was reminded of a photo of Reuben carrying Howard at a Boy’s Town picnic many years before. He then wrote the magazine and requested permission to use the image and quote. The magazine agreed; and Boy’s Town adopted them both to define it’s new brand.
Many years later, the motto still is the best description of what the boys and girls at Boy’s Town learned about the importance of caring for each other and having someone care about them.
This motto – AND – this song – is a reminder to us all that we are here to watch out for each other; to help and serve one another. Life with all it’s challenges and trials would indeed be unbearable if we couldn’t see evidence every day of the goodness of those who sincerely care about and help others. Truly, that’s what makes life SO sweet and burdens seem lighter; when we ‘carry’ and ‘support’ one another with love. Great message – great song!”
Brooks Teeples
AUTUMN SKY