He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
View chords used in this chart
D A/C#
The road is long
Em G/B
With many a winding turn
Em A Bm C
That leads us to who knows where
Em Em7 A4
Who knows when
D A/C#
But I'm strong
Bm Bb
Strong enough to carry him
D Em7 A D Em
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
A D A/C#
So on we go
G/B Em Em7
His welfare is of my concern
A Bm C
No burden is he to bear
Em A4
We'll get there
D A/C#
For I know
Bm Bb
He would not encumber me
D Em A D Em7 Em D/F#
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
G A7/G
If I'm laden at all
G A7/G
I'm laden with sadness
F#m7 Am
That everyone's heart
G F# Bm D/A
Isn't filled with the gladness
G D/F# E A
Of love for one another
D A/C#
It's a long, long road
Bm G/B
From which there is no return
Em A Bm C
While we're on the way to there
Em A4
Why not share
D A/C#
And the load
Bm Bb
Doesn't weigh me down at all
D Em7 A D
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
A/C# G/B Em A Bm C Em Em7 A4 A
D A/C#
He ain't heavy
G/B A4 A D
He's my brother
How to play He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.