Listening to Levon Helm on Radio Paradise

Levon Helm — The Weight (live)

Album: Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
Avg rating:

7.5

Your rating:

Total ratings: 404

Released: 2005
Length: 5:50
Plays (last 30 days): 0

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I pulled into Nazareth, I 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, and "No!", was all he said.

Take a 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 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 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 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 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 a load off Fanny, take a load for free;
Take a load off Fanny, and you put the load right on me.

Catch a Cannonball, now, to take me down the line
My bag is sinkin' 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 a load off Fanny, take a load for free;
Take a load off Fanny, and you put the load right on me.

Comments (106)add comment

Well that's a first. I'm listening to "My Favorites" and this song just played and started over again. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Posted 2 years ago by ExpatLarry [ Reply ]

Each of The Band's members pulled his weight {no pun intended} ...all multi-instrumentalists, writers & with good musical minds, this is what we get and boy how i remember when the Band first released and some of us tried to guess that it was the Guess Who incognito because of complete lack of liner notes, mid to late 60s. Their voices were all distinct; bands until then all wanted to harmonise or sound similar; The Band members could all be heard as separate people with their own voices adding another level to every song as one or the other would sometimes solo while the others came in & out & chorus.

Such texture.

Posted 7 years ago by LameBuffalo [ Reply ]

can I have a "play again" button for this one?

Posted 10 years ago by jamelch [ Reply ]

Did anyone seen Jimmy Fallon and the Muppets cover this the other night?

Posted 10 years ago by beeblebrocks40 [ Reply ]

And I miss Levon.

shellbella wrote:

I love Levon!!

Posted 10 years ago by ThePoose [ Reply ]

2nd time I've heard this song today. I guess it's time to change the station.

...After this song is finished, of course.

Posted 10 years ago by DeemerDave [ Reply ]

Any version of The Weight + sung by any former member of The Band = 9 or 10.

Posted 11 years ago by HearsayDave [ Reply ]

dig wrote:

Fanny or Annie? Which is it?

at the top of the comments page between comments and place commerts is this word" LYRISCs:" get it ?

Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48 [ Reply ]

I love Levon!!

Posted 11 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

Gawd rest your soul, Levon.

Abjectly sorry I never made it down the line to see one of your rambles in upstate NY.
See you in Heaven.

Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose [ Reply ]

Absolutely !

veloman wrote:

better than the original (if thats possible)

love it

Posted 11 years ago by msymmes [ Reply ]

better than the original (if thats possible)

love it

Posted 11 years ago by veloman [ Reply ]

randyblew wrote:

Yeah man. I saw them in 1989 in Orange County, play this. What a lineup for that first tour:

Ringo Starr - drums, vocalsJoe Walsh (Eagles and James Gang) - guitar, piano, talkbox, vocalsNils Lofgren (E Street Band) - guitar, accordion, vocalsDr. John - piano, vocalsBilly Preston - keyboards, vocalsRick Danko (The Band) - bass, vocalsLevon Helm (The Band) - drums, harmonica, vocalsClarence Clemons (E Street Band) - saxophone, tambourine, percussion, vocalsJim Keltner- drums

Great show, great music, great friends.

Sounds like a good time. Sadly, 4 out of the 9 All-Starrs from that show have left us for good.

Posted 11 years ago by treatment_bound [ Reply ]

Great show, great music, great friends.

Posted 11 years ago by randyblew [ Reply ]

cosmiclint wrote:

To my ear, it sounds like he sings

To get back to Miss Fanny
You know she's the only one ...

So I guess you could say I am firmly in the Fanny camp

I do believe you are correct sir.

Posted 11 years ago by dig [ Reply ]

dig wrote:

Fanny or Annie? Which is it?

To my ear, it sounds like he sings

To get back to Miss Fanny
You know she's the only one ...

So I guess you could say I am firmly in the Fanny camp

Posted 11 years ago by cosmiclint [ Reply ]

dig wrote:

Fanny or Annie? What is it?

Yeah, someone explain this to me too. I grew up with this tune, and live where he does(did) and I still don't get it....

Posted 11 years ago by Jelani [ Reply ]

Fanny or Annie? Which is it?

Posted 11 years ago by dig [ Reply ]

still awesome... still love it...

Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus [ Reply ]

What a moving version of this song!

Posted 11 years ago by kaybee [ Reply ]

hippiechick wrote:

Can anyone please tell me what this song is about?

Actually this is one of the few songs that I truly understand, it is basically about slack people dishing off their shit on you.

Posted 11 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

ch83575 wrote:

Is ringo drumming on this? Sounds like he's drunk, or half asleep.

Ringo was a big fan of re-hab in Tucson. Friend of mine was there.

Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman [ Reply ]

ThePoose wrote:

NeilBlanchard wrote:

Levon Helm is in the last stage of cancer.

I hope he is surrounded by family and friends.

Neil

He is surrounded by angels now.
RIP (rock in paradise) Levan (his real name)

Real name Mark Lavon Helm.

Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman [ Reply ]

Is ringo drumming on this? Sounds like he's drunk, or half asleep.

Posted 11 years ago by ch83575 [ Reply ]

Just watched "In The Electric Mist". Levon plays a long-dead Confederate general. As a ghost. He's good. Oh, and yeah, I love this song.

Posted 11 years ago by DD gypsyman [ Reply ]

Man what a line up Ringo put together on this tour.

Posted 11 years ago by martinc [ Reply ]

ssounds like "The Band" not Ringo???

Posted 11 years ago by Larry_Rosenow [ Reply ]

NeilBlanchard wrote:

Levon Helm is in the last stage of cancer.

I hope he is surrounded by family and friends.

Neil

He is surrounded by angels now.
RIP (rock in paradise) Levan (his real name)

Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose [ Reply ]

hippiechick wrote:

Can anyone please tell me what this song is about?

Robbie Robertson does a pretty good job of explaining what it's about here.

TLDR: it was inspired by the films of Luis Buñuel, many of which explored the impossibility of sainthood.

Posted 11 years ago by cosmiclint [ Reply ]

Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks by RickRaven'sBeak
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54909778@N05/

Levon Helm on the left.

Copyright All rights reserved

Posted 11 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

hippiechick wrote:

Can anyone please tell me what this song is about?

KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:

It's a heavy subject.

So to say.

Posted 12 years ago by Bleyfusz [ Reply ]

Lpve you Levon, RIP Thank God I was part of the best music generation ever. Thanks Bill for keepijnng the spirit alive

Posted 12 years ago by jktravl [ Reply ]

We heard Levon at the Ryman a few years back. Wow, all I can say is Wow! RIP!

Posted 12 years ago by Misterfixit [ Reply ]

Hannio wrote:

Yeaaah, riiiiiiiight. And I suppose you're going to say next that Hendrix was singing about kissing the sky.

You mean when he says, "..excuse me, while I kiss this guy!"

Posted 12 years ago by bseib [ Reply ]

bindi wrote:

Great cover

Posted 12 years ago by MirageRF [ Reply ]

oh, you gotta carry that weight, fanny.........

the band references the beatles...........

Posted 12 years ago by MirageRF [ Reply ]

Great cover

Posted 12 years ago by bindi [ Reply ]

better.....

Posted 12 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

hippiechick wrote:

Can anyone please tell me what this song is about?

It's a heavy subject.

Posted 12 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta [ Reply ]

vo1dza wrote:

It is Annie, not Fanny

Yeaaah, riiiiiiiight. And I suppose you're going to say next that Hendrix was singing about kissing the sky.

Posted 12 years ago by Hannio [ Reply ]

My taste of music now, here, nice!

Posted 12 years ago by helgigermany [ Reply ]

Off to the last, longest midnight ramble.

Posted 12 years ago by Derecho [ Reply ]

he passed away peacefully today at 1:30 this afternoon.

Posted 12 years ago by ronniegirl [ Reply ]

NeilBlanchard wrote:

Levon Helm is in the last stage of cancer.

I hope he is surrounded by family and friends.

Neil

Robbie Robertson describes visiting with Levon over the weekend here, and the care he is receiving from family. It sounds like he is surrounded by the people he loves.

Posted 12 years ago by cosmiclint [ Reply ]

Levon Helm is in the last stage of cancer.

I hope he is surrounded by family and friends.

Neil

Posted 12 years ago by NeilBlanchard [ Reply ]

Yikes, how did i miss this Ringo lineup. Great version.

Posted 12 years ago by black321 [ Reply ]

Bless Levon, let his passing be soon and peaceful.

Posted 12 years ago by ronniegirl [ Reply ]

My prayers are with Levon and his family and friends. Thanks for your contribution to the world, Levon.

Posted 12 years ago by radioparadisehead [ Reply ]

So much love for Levon.

Posted 12 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

Our thoughts are with Levon and his family.

Posted 12 years ago by cosmiclint [ Reply ]

Thanks for the story Vandal. The lyrics make a heck of a lot more sense when considered in the context of Robbie's memory of the time period. It says something about the timelessness of Bunuel's storytelling that the themes translate so easily to the southern rhythms of The Band's music.

Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001 [ Reply ]

From Wikipedia:

"(Robbie) Robertson on "The Weight"

According to songwriter Robertson, "The Weight" was inspired by the films of Luis Buñuel, about which Robertson once said:

(Buñuel) did so many films on the impossibility of sainthood. People trying to be good in Viridiana and Nazarin, people trying to do their thing. In ‘The Weight' it's the same thing. People like Buñuel would make films that had these religious connotations to them but it wasn't necessarily a religious meaning. In Buñuel there were these people trying to be good and it's impossible to be good. In "The Weight" it was this very simple thing. Someone says, "Listen, would you do me this favour? When you get there will you say 'hello' to somebody or will you give somebody this or will you pick up one of these for me? Oh? You're going to Nazareth, that's where the Martin guitar factory is. Do me a favour when you're there." This is what it's all about. So the guy goes and one thing leads to another and it's like "Holy shit, what's this turned into? I've only come here to say 'hello' for somebody and I've got myself in this incredible predicament." It was very Buñuelish to me at the time."

Posted 12 years ago by vandal [ Reply ]

Some things in my life come and go... This song is a constant - in good times and better times, sad times too - no matter how many times I hear it. I love it - Love The Band, Robbie, Rick, Levon.... Mucho Luv....

Posted 12 years ago by shellbella [ Reply ]

Can anyone please tell me what this song is about?

Posted 12 years ago by hippiechick [ Reply ]

nagsheadlocal wrote:

Levon has a voice like Ray Charles' - just hearing it makes me think of dirt roads through a forest leading to open pastureland, and a clear sky overhead.

What a great description this is! Thanks!

Posted 12 years ago by d-don [ Reply ]

LizK wrote:

What Fun!! (why can't I get the rockin' bananas to work?)

I got yer back, Liz...

Posted 13 years ago by d-don [ Reply ]

RIP Richard Manuel and Rick Danko.

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard [ Reply ]

What Fun!! (why can't I get the rockin' bananas to work?)

Posted 13 years ago by LizK [ Reply ]

It is Annie, not Fanny

Posted 13 years ago by vo1dza [ Reply ]

The song is truly memorable, the Ringo band awesome, but not my favorite version.

Posted 13 years ago by ozzie1313 [ Reply ]

Still sounding good after all these years!

Posted 13 years ago by steelinox51 [ Reply ]

Great song though I prefer studio versions to live almost always.

Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

Mmmm Hmmm THE BAND... right on! me

Posted 13 years ago by gjones [ Reply ]

Levon has a voice like Ray Charles' - just hearing it makes me think of dirt roads through a forest leading to open pastureland, and a clear sky overhead.

Posted 13 years ago by nagsheadlocal [ Reply ]

The whole world must hear RP!
It is so genius, what music is play here!!!

Posted 13 years ago by frank-peter [ Reply ]

A truly great song ... Except you wouldn't go around singing "take a load off fanny"
in Oz ("fanny" - female part)
But ...hey...it's an American anthem

Posted 13 years ago by Mojoboy [ Reply ]

ick wrote:

Yeah, except everyone in The Band 'cept Levon was Canadian.

Well there ya go... American music! Robbie can keep his acadian driftwood, we got Levon at the Helm.

Posted 13 years ago by ch83575 [ Reply ]

cousinkill wrote:

This song gives me chills if I haven't heard it for a while.. one of the best songs ever. American music at its absolute finest hour. 10 all the way!!—— great live version, too!!

Yeah, except everyone in The Band 'cept Levon was Canadian.

Posted 13 years ago by ick [ Reply ]

Leeeee-von!

Posted 13 years ago by Antigone [ Reply ]

I had not heard this version before. Awesome, this is true music that can never be stale or dated.

Posted 14 years ago by RichW [ Reply ]

This song gives me chills if I haven't heard it for a while.. one of the best songs ever. American music at its absolute finest hour. 10 all the way!!—— great live version, too!!

Posted 14 years ago by cousinkill [ Reply ]

Sun is coming out with this song!! Very nice!!

Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany [ Reply ]

ringo is so good

Posted 14 years ago by cohifi [ Reply ]

That was darn fun!

Posted 14 years ago by guiguy [ Reply ]

Now THAT is a BAND!

Posted 14 years ago by nigelr [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

Papernapkin wrote:

It's about a guy who asks another guy where he can find a bed, but the guy smiles and says 'No'. (Meaning he's not gay.) For the rest of the song the guy sings about fanny and getting a load off.

That was great!

Posted 14 years ago by Jelani [ Reply ]

Buzzardcheater wrote:

This is one of those songs that I absolutely love, but have no clue what the lyrics are about.

Neil Young's Powderfinger is another one... They tell a story, but I don't know what the story means.

And I dig that.

It's about a guy who asks another guy where he can find a bed, but the guy smiles and says 'No'. (Meaning he's not gay.) For the rest of the song the guy sings about fanny and getting a load off.

Posted 14 years ago by Papernapkin [ Reply ]

Levon Helm and John Hiatt - "The Weight" Live (2008)

"Levon Helm has, since 2004, hosted evenings of music at his home studio in Woodstock, New York, that have come to be known as "The Midnight Ramble." On September 17, 2008, Helm took the Midnight Ramble on the road to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where - accompanied by such luminaries as Buddy Miller, John Hiatt, Sheryl Crow and Sam Bush - the Levon Helm Band gave birth to a performance that will live for the ages."
https://www.pbs.org/

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

The Last Wwaltz - Emmylou Harris, Levon Helm & The Band, Live

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

Levon Helm - Interview

Drummer and singer for The Band, Levon Helm, talks to Anthony Mason about losing his voice to cancer of the vocal chord, and how it returned years later. Eye To Eye With Katie Couric: Levon Helm (CBS News).

"Levon Helm is not only an American original, he's a true National Treasure. Big Pink, and his current home, where he puts on the Midnight Rambles, ought to be on the National Register of Historic Places."

"I'm young but i absolutely love the band and the history of this band. The Last Waltz is the greatest movie of all time."

"Levon, Thank you!! Thank you for your wonderful music, your passion and your real human qualities and your everlasting groove!! "

"Art Is Resistance"

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

This isn't just what music is all about, it's what my life has been.

Posted 14 years ago by Ouachita [ Reply ]

A fine rendition of a song requiring some gravitas to pull off right.

Posted 14 years ago by Lrobby99 [ Reply ]

Buzzardcheater wrote: This is one of those songs that I absolutely love, but have no clue what the lyrics are about.

Neil Young's Powderfinger is another one... They tell a story, but I don't know what the story means.

And I dig that.

pauleywalnuts wrote:

The Weight and Powderfinger.... a very interesting comparison that I've never put together. You're right, they both seem to tell a story but what that story actually is... who knows? Both in my top 10 favourite songs of all time, however.

It is about passing the buck. I love the rolling, row your boat style of chorus, just a great song!

Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

Buzzardcheater wrote:

Posted 14 years ago by pauleywalnuts [ Reply ]

Great tune ~ on a side note makes me think of

when you tour with the Dead you don't necessarily see every show ~ k
one year my brother and I saw a bunch of shows ~ he seemed to be cursed that every show he caught they encored The Weight
saw it like 20 times LOL

sorry ~ lol

Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel [ Reply ]

Love this song

Posted 14 years ago by EssexTex [ Reply ]

big_gare wrote:

Dr. John on Piano
Billy Preston on Hammond Organ
Rick Danko on Bass
Joe Walsh on Guitar
Clarence Clemons on Sax
Jim Keltner & Ringo on Drums
Nils Lofgren on Guitar

Not a bad back-up band wouldn't you say!

+ don't forget 'Rick Danko on vocals', that guy sings his heart out....

Posted 14 years ago by bobcat1963 [ Reply ]

big_gare wrote:

Every one of Ringo's "All-Starr" bands has been like this one, legendary talent out for a leisurely stroll in the country. Ringo's so easy going, you simply can't help having a good time. I have this one on DVD (https://www.amazon.com/Best-Ringo-Starr-Band-Far/dp/B00005OCKZ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1261086553&sr=1-4). There are others. Not a dud among 'em.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard [ Reply ]

Holy shit. Greatest version yet!

Posted 14 years ago by Bleyfusz [ Reply ]

big_gare wrote:

WOW.

Posted 14 years ago by osbyec [ Reply ]

The Band - "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" Live (1978)

"From the 1978 film 'The Last Waltz' "

"Robbie co-wrote this song after spending time in the Mississippi Delta. He fell in love with the place' the people' the rhythm in the air. He felt compelled to write the song because he did care. Levon (being from Arkansas) felt Robbie needed to learn more about the south so he took him to the library to study the Civil War era. It was written in Woodstock' collaberatively' over a period of 8+ months. Levon has not sung this song since the break up of The Band (again thanks to RR's manipulations)"

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

Papernapkin wrote:

Sigh. A song more beloved than good.

Oh god, that so right...

Posted 15 years ago by apd [ Reply ]

fredriley wrote:

I always wondered: who's this Manny who's having a load taken off him?

fannie?

Posted 15 years ago by freeone1 [ Reply ]

I always wondered: who's this Manny who's having a load taken off him?

Posted 15 years ago by fredriley [ Reply ]

Posted 15 years ago by throwback [ Reply ]

Papernapkin wrote:

Sigh. A song more beloved than good.

Man, thou speaketh wise words indeed.

Posted 15 years ago by pyxxel [ Reply ]

Sigh. A song more beloved than good.

Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin [ Reply ]

The power and emotive presence of Levon Helm's voice brings me to tears. His is one of the most authentic voices of his era, IMHO.

Posted 15 years ago by jadewahoo [ Reply ]

I had the pleasure to meet and work with Levon Helm during the filming of "End of the Line" many years ago. Such a nice person, a kind hearted soul. He would pick a little guitar during lunch breaks sometimes, and called us all darlin'.