If you’re a fan of old school blues music, then you’ve probably heard of “Take The Load Off Annie.” This classic blues song was originally recorded by The Band in 1969, and has since been covered by countless artists over the years. The song features a catchy beat and memorable lyrics that have made it a favorite among blues fans worldwide.
The Story Behind The Song
The song was actually written by The Band’s guitarist, Robbie Robertson, who was inspired by a conversation he had with Levon Helm’s father. Helm was the drummer for The Band, and his father mentioned a woman named Annie who would always help him with his troubles. This inspired Robertson to write the song, which he originally titled “The Weight.”
The song tells the story of a traveler who visits a town called Nazareth, where he meets various characters who each ask him to do a favor for them. The traveler agrees to help each of them, but eventually realizes that their requests are too much for him to bear. The chorus of the song features the memorable line, “Take the load off Annie, take the load for free.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics to “Take The Load Off Annie” are simple yet powerful, and have resonated with audiences for decades. Here are the full lyrics to the song:
I pulled into Nazareth, was feelin’ 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 and shook my hand, “No” was all he said
Take a load off Annie, take a load for free
Take a load off Annie, And (and) (and) you can put the load right on me
I picked up my bag, I went lookin’ for a place to hide
When I saw Carmen and the Devil 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 Annie, take a load for free
Take a load off Annie, And (and) (and) you can put the load right on me
Go down, Miss Moses, there’s nothin’ you can say
It’s just ol’ Luke and 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 Annie, take a load for free
Take a load off Annie, And (and) (and) you can 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 Annie, take a load for free
Take a load off Annie, And (and) (and) you can put the load right on me
Catch a cannon ball now to take me down the line
My bag is sinkin’ low and I do believe it’s time
To get back to Miss Annie, you know she’s the only one
Who sent me here with her regards for everyone.
Take a load off Annie, take a load for free
Take a load off Annie, And (and) (and) you can put the load right on me
Conclusion
“Take The Load Off Annie” is a classic blues song that has stood the test of time. Its catchy beat and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite among blues fans for decades. Whether you’re new to blues music or a lifelong fan, this song is definitely worth a listen.
