Who takes a load off in the song "The Weight"?

I think it’s Fanny. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Articles have been written about this, but I’m sticking with Manny, I have heard it that way for over half a century.

It’s Fanny.

According to Robbie Robertson (who wrote it), Fanny is based on Frances “Fanny” Steloff, the founder of a New York City bookstore where he explored scripts by Buñuel

And here she is as large as life.

Annie!

It’s Fanny. Robby choose the name because of he rhythmic sound when used in the lyrics. He also said that he wasn’t sure if he had the owner of Gotham in mind when he wrote the line, but that her name was definitely in his imagination.
More Reading on one of the greatest Rock Songs

@Forever_Free They each would work rhythmically though.

@janbb I am not going to dispute what Robby stated. It’s still a great question.

@Forever_Free I know. I get that.

It’s Fanny. I should know, I’ve been singing the damn song for almost 59 years!

Funny you should ask…the other day I looked up the words and the meaning. Here’s the meaning:
https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/the-weight-by-the-band/

and the lyrics:

The Weight
Song by The Band

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 Fanny
Take a load for free
Take a load off Fanny
And (and) (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 (and) (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’tcha stay and keep Anna Lee company?”

Take a load off Fanny
Take a load for free
Take a load off Fanny
And (and) (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”

Yeah, take a load off Fanny
Take a load for free
Take a load off Fanny
And (and) (and) you 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 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 (and) (and) you put the load right on me
Songwriters: Jaime Robbie Robertson. For non-commercial use only.

I thought it was Granny, but perhaps binge watching the Beverly Hilldildos has Jethroed my mind. ;-p

As other Jellies have posted, it’s Fanny (or Miss Fanny, near the end of the lyrics).

All of the song’s characters were based on real people.

I miss the days when you didn’t know and just sang interesting and goofy lyrics. We were all Weird Al.
It was much more fun.

Scuse me while I kiss this guy.

And Creedance’s memorable lyric, “There’s a bathroom on the right!

And I found out some years ago that such misconstructions are called “mondegreens.”

I’d say the person who’s asked to take the load off Fanny, is the Nazarene numbskull who is clueless about where to find a bed.

However, since the song ends with the repeated request, I don’t know whether Fanny is ever relieved of her load.

Take a load off Hannity, and dump it on tRump!

@Brian1946

“I thought it was Granny, but perhaps binge watching the Beverly Hilldildos has Jethroed my mind.”

Your chronic case of Bodine brain actually precedes your high school years. ;-)

I always heard Fanny.
But don’t get me started on Blinded by the Light or Long Cool Woman.