"The Weight" is not a song by Jimmy Barnes, but rather by The Band, released in 1968. However, Jimmy Barnes has covered this song. "The Weight" is a folk-rock song that tells a story through its lyrics. It follows a traveler who arrives in Nazareth feeling exhausted and in need of rest. He asks a stranger if he knows where he can find a place to stay, but the stranger declines to help. The protagonist then encounters a woman named Carmel, walking alongside the devil. He invites Carmel to go downtown with him, but she declines and suggests her friend stay instead. This suggests a moral dilemma or a temptation represented by the devil. The story continues with references to Miss Moses and Luke, implying biblical connections. The protagonist asks Luke about a girl named Anna-Lee and is asked to keep her company, further adding to the mysterious and symbolic nature of the song. Later, Crazy Chester offers assistance but requests that the protagonist takes care of his dog, Jack. The protagonist, refusing to get involved in any confrontation, declines the offer. In the end, the protagonist plans to leave Nazareth on a train, implying a shift or transformation. His bag is heavy with the weight of his journey, but he knows he needs to return to Miss Annie, whom he declares as the only one who sent him on this journey. "The Weight" is a metaphorical song that explores themes of burden, temptation, and the complexities of human relationships. It is open to interpretation and can resonate with individuals in different ways.
