Original Performer: The Band



I pulled into Nazareth, was feeling bout half past dead;

I just need a place where I can lay my head.

"Hey mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?"

He just grinned and shook my hand, "No" was all he said.



Take the load off Fanny, take a load for free;

Take a load off Fanny, 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 gotta go, but my friend can stick around."



Take the load off Fanny, take a load for free;

Take a load off Fanny, 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 Judgment 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 the load off Fanny, take a load for free;

Take a load off Fanny, 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 the load off Fanny, take a load for free;

Take a load off Fanny, and you put the load right on me.



Catch a cannon ball now, 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 the load off Fanny, take a load for free;

Take a load off Fanny, and you put the load right on me.