Lyrics of
The Weight

The Weight is a song by The Band, originally released on their debut album Music from Big Pink in 1968. It was written by the bands guitarist, Robbie Robertson, and has become not only one of the groups most successful songs but also one of the most iconic tunes of the rock era. The lyrics tell a travelers saga through the fictional town of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, encountering a cast of enigmatic characters along the way. The chorus, Take a load ... off, Fanny, has become a memorable refrain. The song was inspired by life on the road and American culture. See more [+]

I pulled in to Nazareth, I was feeling about half past dead.
I just need some place where I can lay my head.
"Hey, Mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?"
He just grinned, shook my hand, "No" was all he said.

Take a load off, Fanny.
Take a load for free.
Take a load off, Fanny.
And And And.you put the load right on me.


I picked up my bag. I went looking for a place to hide.
When I saw Carmen and the devil walking side by side.
I said, "Hey, Carmen, come on. Let's go downtown."
She said, "I got to go, but my friend can stick around."

Take a load off, Fanny.
Take a load for free.
Take a load off, Fanny.
And And And.you put the load right on me.


Go down, Miss Moses, there's nothing you can say.
It's just old Luke, and Luke's waiting on the judgement day.
"Well, Luke, my friend, what about young Anna Lee?"
He said, "Do me a favor, son, won't you stay and keep Anna Lee company."

Take a load off, Fanny.
Take a load for free.
Take a load off, Fanny.
And And And.you put the load right on me.


Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog.
He said, "I will fix your rack, if you'll take Jack my dog."
I said, "Wait a minute, Chester. You know I'm a peaceful man."
He said, "That's okay, boy. Won't you feed him when you can?"

Take a load off, Fanny.
Take a load for free.
Take a load off, Fanny.
And And And.you put the load right on me.


Get your Canonball now, to take me down the line.
My bag is sinking low, and I do believe it's time
To get back to Miss Fanny. You know she's the only one
Who sent me here with her regards for everyone.

Take a load off, Fanny.
Take a load for free.
Take a load off, Fanny.
And And And.you put the load right on me.