I rode in to Nazareth, was feeling about half past dead
I just need someplace where I could lay my head
I said, "Hey mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?"
He just grinned and shook my hand and "No" is all he said.

Chorus:
      Take a load off Fanny,
      Take a load for free,
      Take a load off Fanny,
      and (and, and,) you put the load (push the load) right on me.

I packed up my bags, I went looking for place to hide,
Then I saw Carmen and the Devil, walking side-by-side.
I said, "Hey Carmen, c'mon let's go downtown."
She said, "I gotta go but my friend can stick around."

Chorus

Go down Miss Moses, there's ain't 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."

Chorus

Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog.
He said, "I'll fix you right, if you take Jack, my dog."
I said, "Hey wait a minute, Chester. You know I'm a peaceful man."
He said, "That's OK, boy, won't you feed him when you can."

Chorus

Gonna catch the Cannonball, now, to take me down the line.
My back 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.

Chorus