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