Ball and Chain

Social Distortion

About Ball and Chain

"Ball and Chain" is a hit song by Social Distortion, a Southern California punk rock band, written by Mike Ness in 1987, featured on their self-titled album, released in 1990, as well as on Live at the Roxy (1998). In the words of lead singer/writer Mike Ness, "Ball and Chain" is "a hard luck story," a forceful cry, a lament, a plea, a "folk prayer."


Year:
1990
5:44
1,279 
#5

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Well it's been ten years, and a thousand tears
And look at the mess I'm in
A broken nose and a broken heart,
An empty bottle of gin
Well I sit and I pray
In my broken down Chevrolet
While I'm singin' to myself
There's got to be another way

Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain
I'm lonely and I'm tired
And I can't take any more pain
Take away, take away
Never to return again
Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain

Well I've searched and I've searched
To find the perfect life-
A brand new car and a brand new suit
I even got me a little wife
But wherever I have gone
I was sure to find myself there
You can run all your life
But not go anywhere

Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain
I'm lonely and I'm tired
And I can't take any more pain
Take away, take away
Never to return again
Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain

Well I'll pass the bar on the way
To my dingy hotel room
I spent all my money
Been drinkin' since a half past noon
I'll wake there in the mornin'
Or maybe in the county jail
Times are hard getting harder
I'm born to lose and destined to fail

Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain
I'm lonely and I'm tired
And I can't take any more pain
Take away, take away
Never to return again
Take away, take away
Take away this ball and chain

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Social Distortion

Social Distortion is an American punk rock band formed in 1978 in Fullerton, California. The band currently consists of Mike Ness (lead vocals, lead guitar), Jonny Wickersham (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Brent Harding (bass, backing vocals), and David Hidalgo, Jr. (drums). more »

2 fans

Written by: Michael Ness

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Release
"Ball and Chain" is a song by American punk rock band Social Distortion, released in 1990.
Album Placement
The song is from their third album, which is self-titled as "Social Distortion".
Chart Performance
"Ball and Chain" managed to reach a peak position of No. 2 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in America, showing its popularity.
Music Video
The music video for "Ball and Chain" features a variety of actors and actresses recreating different scenes, depicting different stages of life.
The Meaning and Influence
The song suggests feelings of despair, regret, and realization. It reflects the impact of poverty and addiction, two themes often recurring in frontman Mike Ness's songs.
Genre and Style
"Ball and Chain" is a major departure from the typical punk rock sound traditionally associated with Social Distortion, as it incorporates blues and country influences into its arrangement.
Lyrics and Composition
The song is distinguished by its memorable chorus, “I’m lonely and I’m tired/And I can’t take any more pain”. This melancholic refrain speaks to the hardships that Ness has experienced in his life.
Live Performances
Despite being originally released over 30 years ago, "Ball and Chain" continues to be a staple of Social Distortion's live shows, proving its enduring popularity.
Influence on Other Artists
The song's blend of punk rock with blues and country has inspired a number of other bands to experiment with crossing genre boundaries.
Record Sales
The album "Social Distortion", which includes the hit "Ball and Chain", went on to be certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, indicating sales of over 500,000 units.

Discuss the Ball and Chain Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Ball and Chain Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3386804/Social+Distortion/Ball+and+Chain>.

    Missing lyrics by Social Distortion?

    Know any other songs by Social Distortion? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Ball and Chain

    12.6M
    53,104     2,439

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Faithfully" is the title of what band?
    A REO Speedwagon
    B Journey
    C Kiss
    D Train

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Social Distortion tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Ball and Chain

    »
    • Frailty