I pulled into Nazareth, I was feelin' about half past dead I just need some place where I can lay my head I said, "Hey mister, can you tell me where a girl might find a bed?" He just grinned and shook his hand, no was all he said Take a load off Fannie, take a load for free Take a load off Fannie And you put the load, put the load right on me I picked up my bag went lookin' for a place to hide When I saw Carmen and the devil they was walkin' 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 a load off Fannie, take a load for free Take a load off Fannie And you put the load, put the load right on me Go down Miss Moses, there's nothin' you can say It's just old Luke, Luke's waitin' 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 a load off Fannie, take a load for free Take a load off Fannie And you put the load, put the load right on me Put the load right on me Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog He said, "I will fix your rag, if you'll take Jack, my dog" I said, "Wait a minute Chester, you know I'm a peaceful woman" He said, "That's okay, but won't you feed him when you can" Take a load off Fannie, take a load for free Take a load off Fannie And you put the load, put the load right on me Catch a cannonball now, to take me on down the line My bag is sinkin' low and I do believe it's time To get back to Miss Fannie, you know she's the only one Who sent me here with her regards for everyone, yes Take a load off Fannie, take a load for free Take a load off Fannie And you put the load, put the load right on Put the load right on me