Ball and Chain

XTC

About Ball and Chain

"Ball and Chain" is a song written by Colin Moulding of XTC for their 1982 album English Settlement. It was issued as the second single from the album on 26 February 1982, following the success of the band's biggest hit Senses Working Overtime. The single reached No. 58 in the charts.


Year:
1982
4:32
82 
#2

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Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Oh yeah,
The diggers and the tower cranes

Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Oh yeah,
The diggers and the tower cranes,
The diggers and the tower cranes

Don't want demolition,
Don't want your compensation,
It's not just bricks and mortar,
We are lambs to slaughter

Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Oh yeah,
The diggers and the tower cranes,
The diggers and the tower cranes

Must we live in fear,
From those who shed no tears?
Our one and only shelter,
Your games, your helter skelter

Motorways and office blocks,
They're standing on the spot
Where stood a home,
They're crushing on the memories of people,
Who have since turned to stone
(Ahh)
They've turned to stone,
(Ahh)
They've turned to stone

Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Oh yeah,
The diggers and the tower cranes

Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Save us from the ball and chain,
Oh yeah,
The diggers and the tower cranes
The diggers and the tower cranes
The diggers and the tower

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XTC

XTC was a New Wave band from Swindon, England, active between 1977 and 2005. The band enjoyed some chart success, including the UK and Canadian hits "Making Plans for Nigel" (1979) and "Senses Working Overtime" (1982), but are perhaps even better known for their long-standing critical (rather than commercial) success. more »

1 fan

Written by: C MOULDING

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Ball and Chain" is a song by XTC, a British new wave band widely known during the late '70s and '80s for their catchy, intelligent pop rock.
Album Information
The song appears on their critically acclaimed 1982 album, "English Settlement", which was the band's first double album.
Chart Performance
"Ball and Chain" achieved wide recognition by reaching No. 58 on the UK Singles Chart.
Unique Sound
The song is renowned for its fusion of new wave, pop, and ska elements which was a significant departure from their earlier, more punk-driven sound.
Lyrics Commodification
The song features lyrics addressing the issue of urban development and gentrification.
Music Video
A music video was produced for the song in 1982 and made available on the band's "Look Look" home video.
Instrumentation
The track showcases the band’s unconventional use of rhythm and instrumentation, notably Colin Moulding’s quirky basslines and Dave Gregory’s 12-string guitar.
Song Writing
Colin Moulding, the bassist of XTC, wrote this song along with many other popular tracks of the band.
Band’s Musical Evolution
"Ball and Chain" represents the band's musical evolution with more complex song structures and social consciousness lyrics, which were evident in their subsequent releases.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, the song was rarely performed live due to the band's decision to stop touring in 1982, the same year the song was released.

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