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Social Distortion — Ball And Chain
Album: Social Distortion
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1558









Released: 1990
Length: 5:40
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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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
Well 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
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
Well I'm sick 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
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
I've been drinkin' since half past noon
Well 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
Well 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
Take away this ball and chain
Comments (174)add comment
We could really use more SD in the library, or Mike Ness solo stuff. :)
Posted 10 months ago by ParadiseBikes    [ Reply ]
Takes me right back 25 years ago working a dead end job in a dead end relationship living in a squat and being mostly skint most of the time. What times we had! Glad it's over. Social D was in heavy rotation in those days... Memories...
Posted 1 year ago by ekrafsur    [ Reply ]
This song is 100% badass. Mike Ness is the real deal. Love the guitar, the vocals, the lyrics. More Social D please!
Posted 2 years ago by NHemp    [ Reply ]
Good Tune!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I'm sure if I hear this another few thousand times I'm still gonna love it. It is so right on.
Posted 5 years ago by johnrah    [ Reply ]
Mike Ness has one of the best grittiest, snarliest voices in rock.. love him
Posted 5 years ago by ToddyWoddy    [ Reply ]
 merobreno wrote:
Wrong album art Bill.
 
Fixed
Posted 5 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
Wrong album art Bill.
Posted 7 years ago by merobreno    [ Reply ]
Did not expect to hear this here, but stoked!
Loved this song since before I could comprehend it. It's even better now that i'm no longer 10 years old.
Posted 7 years ago by fauxtoejoe    [ Reply ]
PURE AWESOME.

 Image result for social distortion gif
Posted 7 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
Still wrong cover art Bill......Still a kick A song by a kick A band doing a kick A song by a kick A troubadour..... !!!!
Posted 7 years ago by awightman1    [ Reply ]
such a great song and glad to hear sxdx on rp
Posted 8 years ago by cgiordano    [ Reply ]
 Oxen1morale wrote:
A lot of anti-marriage songs, you should play trapped by Bruce Springsteen

 
I think the Ball And Chain they're singing about is the weight of alcoholism... or at least dependency.
Posted 8 years ago by icuski2    [ Reply ]
{#Boohoo} nice stuff ! hey bill some solo mike ness would good as well ! something from cheating at solitaire ? rock on
Posted 8 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
A lot of anti-marriage songs, you should play trapped by Bruce Springsteen
Posted 8 years ago by Oxen1morale    [ Reply ]
 Oscar_the_Grouch wrote:
Song is the story of my life.

If you don't what's gets played here you should leave instead of whining like a little bitch. Hit the road haters.

THIS MEANS YOU DOWN THERE !!
 
{#Roflol}  {#High-five}
Posted 8 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
This is definitely an 11, a BIG 11
Posted 8 years ago by melzabutch    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
I think he meant the cover of the CD...
 
Well said, Cynaera...  we miss you so very much...  everybody in my galactic presidential campaigns loves this groovy song...  we be dancing like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Posted 8 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 BobLoblaw wrote:
I wish we could hear more Social D/Mike Ness on RP!

 
Agreed !!!  Love your "handle" man......
 
Posted 8 years ago by awightman1    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill !!!  Social D one of my all time faves in the rock world of things.  As a slightly country leaning rock fan, Mike Ness hits the spot.  How about some of his solo stuff?  Excellent covers of the roots of country outlaws.  BTW......wrong album cover for Social Distortion Social Distortion.
Posted 8 years ago by awightman1    [ Reply ]
I wish we could hear more Social D/Mike Ness on RP!
Posted 8 years ago by BobLoblaw    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

Please don't say something is a cover when it is not, we don't need that here. 

 
I think he meant the cover of the CD...

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
not really!!!
(nice cover, though)

 
Please don't say something is a cover when it is not, we don't need that here. 

Posted 13 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I'll take Carl Perkins "Matchbox" please
Posted 14 years ago by carpwall    [ Reply ]
Not a big Social Distortion fan, but this is a fun little ditty.
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I always thought these guys were sorta rock-a-billy hacks.
Posted 14 years ago by NigelTufnel    [ Reply ]
Yes! Super happy to hear Social D here.
Posted 14 years ago by grungepuppy    [ Reply ]
{#Dancingbanana}
Posted 14 years ago by soulcollision    [ Reply ]
Our rhythm guitar players favorite song from his favorite band.
We do a decent cover of this.
Posted 14 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Old's 97 @ frist.

WEA show LA, cool band! Did FOH Sound.

Peace
Posted 14 years ago by rcwsound    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

...and what dance is that, please?
Seriously!!!!?

This is not even high-school band level!
I feel sorry for this guys! SERIOUSLY!

 

It's punk rock - there is no line-dance choreographed for it. If it moves you - you move.

As for 'not even high school level' - I could say something in reference to your commentary. Not that it isn't entertaining. Just sayin.

Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]

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. . .

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Song is the story of my life.

If you don't what's gets played here you should leave instead of whining like a little bitch. Hit the road haters.

THIS MEANS YOU DOWN THERE !!

Posted 14 years ago by Oscar_the_Grouch    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


We be dancing...

 
...and what dance is that, please?
Seriously!!!!?

This is not even high-school band level!
I feel sorry for this guys! SERIOUSLY!

Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I exchange my previous statement for
"PRIMITIVE"
Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Aw yeah! RP - good job.
Posted 15 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
not really!!!
(nice cover, though)

Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
quite likeable.
been a long time since i heard this.
Posted 15 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
not my favorite Social D song, but good to hear them nonetheless! {#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by TernaryBit    [ Reply ]
take away this song while you're at it
Posted 15 years ago by stescott100    [ Reply ]
 zevon wrote:
If you want this song though, don't buy this CD - it's on this one:

 
Man, that was a seminal album for me. I can put myself "in the moment" very easily, just by listening to it. Good times! {#Cool}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
I love this song. More please!
Posted 15 years ago by GirlFriday    [ Reply ]
 lionirons wrote:


What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll...
Midnight F%&king Oil?
 

Sheila's got the hump, Cobba?

Posted 16 years ago by Mack    [ Reply ]
The theme song for my divorce!
Posted 16 years ago by OldFrenchie    [ Reply ]
I sure can relate to this song today. * sigh *
Posted 16 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
lionirons wrote:
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll...
Midnight F%&king Oil?

Hilarious!

Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Thanks for the Social D, my first time hearing this on radioparadise. Much appreciated.
Posted 16 years ago by somegirl74    [ Reply ]
lionirons wrote:
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll... Midnight F%&king Oil?
Okay, this comment is rather funny because Bill played Midnight Oil right after it today. EDIT: Which I now see has done in the past: FeydBaron wrote:
Congratulations, I don't know if Bill segued from Social D to Midnight Oil prior to this comment, but he does now! Also, Social D has been spending a lot of time in Phoenix lately (three or four concerts in the last few months). Good to hear them on RP.
Posted 16 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
A 120 Minutes favorite from back in the day.
Posted 16 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
lionirons wrote:
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll... Midnight F%&king Oil?
The name you're looking for could be AC/DC. Open your eyes and mind, moron.
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
fatcatjb wrote:
I like the alter on the album jacket...I had a Les Paul like that goldtop once upon a very lost time...great rock guitar
If you want this song though, don't buy this CD - it's on this one:
Posted 17 years ago by zevon    [ Reply ]
kcar wrote:
I second that. How about "When She Begins" or "Bye Bye Baby" from Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.
Oooh - great album!
Posted 17 years ago by zevon    [ Reply ]
I like the alter on the album jacket...I had a Les Paul like that goldtop once upon a very lost time...great rock guitar
Posted 17 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
lionirons wrote:
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll... Midnight F%&king Oil?
Congratulations, I don't know if Bill segued from Social D to Midnight Oil prior to this comment, but he does now! Also, Social D has been spending a lot of time in Phoenix lately (three or four concerts in the last few months). Good to hear them on RP.
Posted 17 years ago by FeydBaron    [ Reply ]
lionirons wrote:
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll... Midnight F%&king Oil?
Now now. What about all-time bad-ass rocker Olivia Newton John? In fairness, AC/DC kind of ROCKS...
Posted 17 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
this song was reminds me of High School, sitting around the bonfire, drinking beers singing this song at the top of our lungs! i know i know we had no idea what it was about back then, didnt stop us though!
Posted 17 years ago by stuntmandan    [ Reply ]
Love this song, but it's NOT on the album Sex, Love and Rock 'n Roll. Instead it's on Social Distortion.
Posted 17 years ago by GreenJello    [ Reply ]
GreenOnion wrote:
Great to hear Social Distortion!! Damn it's been awhile. Yes, may I have another!
Ab-so-f'ing-lutely. Love 'em.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
lionirons wrote:
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll... Midnight F%&king Oil?
dude... what about AC/DC!?!? C'mon!
Posted 17 years ago by superflyLD    [ Reply ]
Makes me want to hear Drivin and Cryin, \"Straight to Hell\"
Posted 17 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
as much as I wanna get behind the Social D, this album (as well as the others that followed) is just uninspired compared to Mommy\'s Little Monster or 1945.
Posted 17 years ago by chiggins    [ Reply ]
I\'ll be damned! I was just thinking about this song today.
Posted 17 years ago by resonator    [ Reply ]
coccyx wrote:
That's some bad singing. Don't they have electronic devices that fix bad pitch?
Yes, I'm sure Britney and Hillary and JZ and Justin make good use of it. I like my music gritty.
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
darcyc wrote:
what a slab of sludge this song is
What the hell does an Aussie know of Rock & Roll... Midnight F%&king Oil?
Posted 17 years ago by lionirons    [ Reply ]
I love it. They do the blues really well: "Times are hard, getting harder. I'm gonna lose. I'm destined to fail."
Posted 17 years ago by jsjacob    [ Reply ]
woolton wrote:
If I remember correctly Jason and the Scorchers, a band ahead of their time, did this song in the 80's.
Posted 17 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP! It's great to hear some SD!!
Posted 17 years ago by lionirons    [ Reply ]
Mike Ness knows rock n roll.
Posted 17 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
Wow! Rather as I remembered it, pretty good. Just as begin to lament the dearth of real rock and roll on RP, Bill whips out the Social Dis. A step in the right direction, or in one of the right directions!
Posted 17 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
If I remember correctly Jason and the Scorchers, a band ahead of their time, did this song in the 80's.
Posted 17 years ago by woolton    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
How many people here work at desks and listen to RP through computer speakers or headphones? I do. And I wonder how that affects the way I rate songs. This song, for instance, plays much better in my car with the volume cranked up or at a busy bar. That's how I first heard this song. I love it, so I'm giving it a 9. But if I were hearing it for the first time right now--on crappy little computer speakers turned way down--I'd give it a 5.
I agree here, i think this sounds like a cool song but the singer is not, I can understand a change of opinion in a...less contrained...environment.
Posted 17 years ago by arctos    [ Reply ]
coccyx wrote:
That's some bad singing. Don't they have electronic devices that fix bad pitch?
Yes, it's call Top 20 Pop Music
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
How many people here work at desks and listen to RP through computer speakers or headphones? I do. And I wonder how that affects the way I rate songs. This song, for instance, plays much better in my car with the volume cranked up or at a busy bar. That's how I first heard this song. I love it, so I'm giving it a 9. But if I were hearing it for the first time right now--on crappy little computer speakers turned way down--I'd give it a 5.
I hear ya. Pun intended. It totally affects you rate songs. You can't hear them at their best. Luckily, at the moment, I'm working at my home office and able to crank it.
Posted 17 years ago by Gambrinus    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear SD I think of 'Trainspotting'. I don't know why. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Smoove_D wrote:
How many people here work at desks and listen to RP through computer speakers or headphones? I do. And I wonder how that affects the way I rate songs. This song, for instance, plays much better in my car with the volume cranked up or at a busy bar. That's how I first heard this song. I love it, so I'm giving it a 9. But if I were hearing it for the first time right now--on crappy little computer speakers turned way down--I'd give it a 5.
If you are able to listen to this song with the volume turned "way down" then there is something seriously wrong with more than your listening environment.
Posted 17 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
GreenOnion wrote:
Great to hear Social Distortion!! Damn it's been awhile. Yes, may I have another!
I second that. How about "When She Begins" or "Bye Bye Baby" from Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell.
Posted 17 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
underarmor wrote:
In a word, it's not about the singing.
That's five words.
Posted 17 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
underarmor wrote:
In a word, it's not about the singing.
It's not about the music either. Reminds of an advert: "You can't sing, you can't play and you look awful- you'll go a long way"
Posted 17 years ago by dapower    [ Reply ]
How many people here work at desks and listen to RP through computer speakers or headphones? I do. And I wonder how that affects the way I rate songs. This song, for instance, plays much better in my car with the volume cranked up or at a busy bar. That's how I first heard this song. I love it, so I'm giving it a 9. But if I were hearing it for the first time right now--on crappy little computer speakers turned way down--I'd give it a 5.
Posted 17 years ago by Smoove_D    [ Reply ]
Great to hear Social Distortion!! Damn it's been awhile. Yes, may I have another!
Posted 17 years ago by GreenOnion    [ Reply ]
RIP Brent Liles (click here)
Posted 17 years ago by FilmSurgeon    [ Reply ]
Monkeysdad wrote:
Wow! A 7.2, what'd I do to miss the attraction of this song? This guy couldn't sing if he tried harder.
And when has Rock and Roll ever been about singing perfectly?
Posted 17 years ago by PacificNWPariah    [ Reply ]
One of the best bands to rock for the last 20 years. I love it.
Posted 17 years ago by Zan81    [ Reply ]
what a slab of sludge this song is
Posted 17 years ago by darcyc    [ Reply ]
Monkeysdad wrote:
Wow! A 7.2, what'd I do to miss the attraction of this song? This guy couldn't sing if he tried harder.
In a word, it's not about the singing.
Posted 17 years ago by underarmor    [ Reply ]
Sounds just like Toots & The Maytels "Pressure Drop"
Posted 17 years ago by AmandaMaria    [ Reply ]
That's some bad singing. Don't they have electronic devices that fix bad pitch?
Posted 17 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
I love, love, love this one. Yaaay!
Posted 17 years ago by ~Michelle~    [ Reply ]
Grunt music.
Posted 17 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
One of the best sing alongs ever. Love it.
Posted 17 years ago by sunnysoul03    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Quite fun.
Posted 17 years ago by zensend    [ Reply ]
This song deserves an 11.
Posted 17 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
I always thought this would be a great first dance song at a wedding. Just great rock and roll.
Posted 17 years ago by Land_Shark    [ Reply ]
catchy! love the guitar shrine photo, looks like 2 of the rooms in my house!
Posted 18 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
this album never gets old for me. :rock:
Posted 18 years ago by mem_313    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Daveinbawlmer    [ Reply ]
cool, just cool.
Posted 18 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
If you're a budding guitarist, try playing this song. It doesn't get any easier or deliver more bang-for-the-buck!
Posted 18 years ago by Tireux_De_Roche    [ Reply ]
Second favorite Social D song, the first being an acoustic version of Angel's Wings they did for a station here. Quite enjoyable
Posted 18 years ago by FeydBaron    [ Reply ]
It's got attitude!
Posted 18 years ago by scottdburnett    [ Reply ]
THEY'RE PLAYING MY SONG! love the cover art!
Posted 18 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
I don't much care for Social D in general, but I've always loved this.
Posted 18 years ago by ladybinnath    [ Reply ]
Disappointed there are only two Social D songs on RP. Saw them live last year and it was (still) a good show... Even if Mike Ness is 40+ now.
Posted 18 years ago by burnthebridge    [ Reply ]
Great song from a great band
Posted 18 years ago by spofcher    [ Reply ]
5 for the artwork
Posted 18 years ago by rixtar99    [ Reply ]
Great Song!
Posted 18 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
Wow! A 7.2, what'd I do to miss the attraction of this song? This guy couldn't sing if he tried harder.
Posted 18 years ago by Monkeysdad    [ Reply ]
This is what I needed on a Monday morning, lemmetellya. I'm awake now!
Posted 18 years ago by TheLoneIguana    [ Reply ]
Jacksonstat wrote:
Mike Ness, yum
Amen to that.
Posted 18 years ago by pixidrizzl    [ Reply ]
This really reminds me of Toots "Pressure Drop"
Posted 18 years ago by matt!    [ Reply ]
MickMan wrote:
120 minutes was such an awesome show. I think it was on Sunday nights back when MTV was watchable.
Sunday nights? wow, I must have been up late in those days... I think it was on at 10 or 11 on the Left Coast... You're right, MickMan, great show! Matt Pinfield was the best...
Posted 18 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
punk-a-billy woo-hoo!
Posted 18 years ago by punkbot    [ Reply ]
Mike Ness, yum
Posted 18 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
Nope ... doesnt do it for me
Posted 18 years ago by huebdoo    [ Reply ]
sandpebble wrote:
Reminds me of the Beat Farmers. RIP Dick
Ditto - RIP Country Dick!(click here)
Posted 18 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
Rickvee wrote:
Remember seeing the video for this song back in '90 on MTV's 120 Minutes. Good memories.
120 minutes was such an awesome show. I think it was on Sunday nights back when MTV was watchable.
Posted 18 years ago by MickMan    [ Reply ]
Remember seeing the video for this song back in '90 on MTV's 120 Minutes. Good memories.
Posted 18 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
I'd follow this song with "Battleship Chains", Georgia Satellites ;-)
Posted 18 years ago by BruceN    [ Reply ]
Mari, the princess, awakes! Yep-sex and drugs and rock and roll. Mari wrote:
Sex, Love and Rock And Roll Rocks!...
Posted 18 years ago by mistatebird    [ Reply ]