Ball and Chain (Social Distortion song)
"Ball and Chain" is a hit song by Social Distortion, a Southern California punk rock band, 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."
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Ball and chain
A ball and chain was a physical restraint device historically applied to prisoners, primarily in the British Empire and its former colonies, from the 17th century until as late as the mid-20th century.
A ball and chain believed to date to the 17th century was found in the United Kingdom in 2009. It consists of a sphere of high-grade iron approximately 15 centimetres (5.9 in) across and weighing around 8 kilograms (18 lb). The chain is of some 90 centimetres (35 in) in length and terminates in a leg iron or shackle. The weight of the ball makes it difficult for the restrained person to walk.
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Ball and chain (disambiguation)
A ball and chain is a type of restraint device.
Ball and chain may also refer to:
In media and entertainment
In songs
Ball 'n Chain (Big Mama Thornton song)
"Ball 'n' Chain" or "Ball and Chain" is a blues song written and recorded by American blues artist Big Mama Thornton. Although her recording did not appear on the record charts, "Ball 'n' Chain" has become one of Thornton's best-known songs, largely due to performances and recordings by Janis Joplin.
Background and releases
In the early 1960s,Thornton recorded several songs for Bay-Tone Records. Two were released on a single, "You Did Me Wrong" and "Big Mama's Blues" (Bay Tone no. 107). A review by Billboard magazine noted "moderate sales potential", but it did not enter the magazine's R&B single chart. According to music writer Gillian Gaar, Thornton also recorded "Ball and Chain" for Bay Tone, although it was never released.
In 1968, Arhoolie Records released "Ball and Chain". An edited version, titled "Ball and Chain Part 1" was released as a single, while the complete four and a half minute song is included on the Ball and Chain album. Backing Thornton is a small combo with her frequent guitar accompanist Edward "Bee" Houston. She later recorded several live and studio performances of the song, included her 1969 Billboard Top 200 album Stronger Than Dirt (Mercury SR 61225).
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