The Weight, by The Band

Mike Broadman · 09-23-2003, 09:30 PM

This is probably real obvious, but exactly are the lyrics to The Weight about? It has some religious / spiritual stuff in it, but I'm curious as to what all the metaphors are about. I really, really love this song, and my interest in it has been re-sparked as I recently started listening to the Staple Singers, who do a killer version of it (as well as with The Band on The Last Waltz).

Stu Rosen · 09-23-2003, 09:42 PM

It's the story of Jesus ("I pulled into Nazareth..."). That's what I've always heard, and it makes sense. Though I don't remember reading about Crazy Chester in the Bible.

Phil A · 09-23-2003, 10:34 PM

Mike, look here for more info about the song:

http://theband.hiof.no/articles/the_weight_viney.html

DonaldB · 09-24-2003, 02:39 AM

Cassandra Wilson has powerful rendition of "The Weight" on her album Belly of the Sun. An outstanding album that sounds great on redbook CD, and I can only imagine how stunning it would be on hi-res.

Gordon McMurphy · 09-24-2003, 07:33 AM

First and foremost, it's a great song. Great images. Great piano and three-stage harimonies on "and you put the load right on me". Superb.

Great link, Phil.

I love The Band. I love songs like 'The Weight' - songs about American History/Mythology. Neil Young - another Canadian writing about American History is right up there: 'Pocahontas', 'Powderfinger' and taking a wider scope, you have 'Cortez The Killer'. Amazing stuff.

Gordy

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Mike Broadman · 09-24-2003, 08:04 AM

Thanks for the link. Great read.
I admit I'm happy that I'm not the only one who doesn't have a clear idea of what it's all about.

I always associated "old Luke" with Luke of the gospels, something never mentioned in that article.



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