Social distortion - Ball And Chain ( acoustic )

[@66HM5]

Im 46 years old. Ive been listening to Social Distortion for over 30 years, since I was 14 years old. Now, my 13 year old daughter is listening to them. I love this band. Their sound is timeless.

[@Gretchen5446]

E. Robert Nordby almost 40 trying to turn my 10 year old on to them.

[@Broody4Boglim]

I hear ya man I'm almost 42 and have been listening to Social D for 30 years......and maybe I'm just getting old but I love how they've slowed this down and made it sound like a got ole east coast kitchen party!

[@Sam-in9dp]

My favorite band ever

[@pamelathompson3371]

Hasn't everyone of us a ball and chain of some kind. Lovely song and singer

[@seanogorman3617]

Fuck ya

[@NickSkate7]

Whenever something goes wrong in my life, I always end up here listening to this video.

[@stuartmacdonald4443]

Hope things are better now.

[@jabbotribe]

NickSkate7 t

[@99_bones]

Aint that the truth

[@andrewbourgeois7931]

me too . ... I'm having a rough time right now!

[@DandyUtama]

Yes, me too...

[@NightSky018]

First time I heard this song was on the radio, Mike was doing a studio session for the station. It was slow and acoustic and sad and I was neck deep in heroin addiction, working for my dad, with the guilt of knowing the entirety of the money he was gonna hand me at the end of the day would be spent in Camden in a couple hours. I'd already been all over the country trying to start new in different places but like Mike says, wherever I went I always found myself (and my addiction) waiting for me in the eyes of some seedy looking someone walking down the road sooner than later. Anyway, I heard this song and was frozen to the spot listening to the words. It was one of a few moments in my life that would act as catalysts to get my shit together. It has been a a ten year journey and I'm still not where, in my eyes, I think I should be in life. But I don't go to sleep wondering if I'll wake up, and I don't wake up surprised at having done so anymore. I don't start sweating at the sight of a light paycheck wondering if my whole life is gonna come crashing down before the next one comes in. But most importantly, I know I will be alright. I know I'll make it out the other side in one piece. And that's more than I could say for the better part of a decade. Thank you Mike, for the wake up call.

[@andrewbourgeois7931]

You are not alone brother. I am going thru a tough time too. keep the faith bro!

[@michaelsharp1991]

It’s been 10 Years and 1000 tears. What a line. We all have had a 1000 tears. Wether they are seen or on the inside. Keep the faith.

[@John-lu1ol]

I'm not in the same shoes as u ,I am a drunk. I am drunk right now, but I still know. Like getting wasted to minor threat.

[@NightSky018]

@@andrewbourgeois7931 how you doing brother? It's been a year since your comment - things going any better for you?

[@andrewbourgeois7931]

@@NightSky018 yeah things have improved

[@469123456]

the best band ever, no discussions at all, they have never lost it and they probably have the biggest following that nobody really knows about and thats what is incredible

[@davidornelas5563]

Jk, SO true. Thx.

[@matty2x302]

51 here, saw em in 82 for the first time, then again at different stages, but when I saw em last week 8/4 in Philly, in was like I was that young kid again with the ripped jeans, engineer boots, Mohawk & GBH patch on, no other band has ever taken me back like that!!!!!! Long Live that band & what it means to each of us, no matter our age, sex, color or creed

[@Sam-in9dp]

Heard them first in the late 80's.. still one of my favorite bands all time..

[@pancasedana2457]

2020 and still love this song!

[@jpdumais5229]

Yup 2021 in 2 days

[@ThomasWayneHodge]

I listen to the acoustic version of this , king of fools , and angels wings on my way to work every day and have for like two years now, who else agrees that this band never gets old!

[@roachroacharito9113]

That's crazy! I do (did) the exact same thing w/ the same songs. I've been retired for 10 years now & still revisit these often. Nowadays, in addition to everything these songs evoke and mean to me, they also remind me of all those years of commuting. 🤘👍🤙

[@afernandezaf55af]

Reading the comment section while listening to the song is kinda incredible. The mood through the comments is somber and insightful. Really a beautiful thing to see.

[@otis1169]

Social D helped save my life. Mike Ness is like a dirty, foulmouthed angel..

[@spiderallis]

Didn't think anything could improve that song, until I heard it with accordian. Wow.

[@runninhranch]

I've lived one hell of a life... From cowboy to biker,and saint to sinner.. This song comes as close to telling the story of my life as any I have ever heard.. I can't imagine that there are not thousands out there who feel the same. Thanks Mike Ness and Social D

[@SearchandDestroyFire]

Love that accordion. Brilliant addition to this song.

[@CLP-t7c]

This song has fit my life way too many times over the past 25+ years.

[@michaeldonnelly4100]

I’m 55 years old and have loved Mike and company since I was 17 or 18. Doing the same. Turning my kids onto SxDx and they are grooving. I’m digging the acoustic stuff but my kids (14 and 16) love the original recordings.

[@clowncsc]

My now four year old son has been listening since he flopped on the table. Reach for the sky to be exact. I took him last month to his first Social D concert, I tear’d up watching him rock out and sing the words. He even got to meet Johnny Two bags after the show. I’m 45 and a retired Marine now, my first concert was 1993 in Hawaii. I’ve now been to 11 concerts and will continue as long as they keep rocking. Mike Ness has to be one of the most underrated artists. If they only paid attention they would all see what they’re missing out on. The band gets better with age. I could talk for hours about this band.

[@TheRedrob62]

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 25 years ago. This songs hits home, in a big way..........

[@ERIKSLUGGER]

Greatest band ever, wish they would think about retooling some of their songs like this and how they have been touring recently into a new album. That would be awesome! Long live Social D!

[@Sam-in9dp]

Agreed.. a Social Distortion live acoustic album would be the greatest thing ever.. maybe even solve a few of the world's problems lol

[@2004Bishop]

When I went to their show last year at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth this song had me in my feels. Been a rough few years for me, financial struggles and then my Dad passed away. Still been dealing with BS and financial shit but I get up everyday and keep going.

[@PorkinsTheWhite]

The accordion adds another depth to this song. I love it!

[@frederickglasser5617]

I recently started a list of songs that brings tears to my eyes. I'm gonna add this song to the list. The original recorded version (or even any live version) doesn't hit nearly as close to the heart as this super scaled down stripped down version. Listening to the accordion backing, this song sounds like it might've been an American roots song written in the 18th or 19th centuries.

[@RebelAnimalMother]

That kind of song that touch you deep in your soul... An Anthem from all my life in 18 years.

[@pwilson6439]

MAN, you are SO YOUNG, Rebel. Like Gordie Lightfoot said, You ve got a lot more livin to do !

[@careunderfire]

only those people, who don't unterstand anything of music don't like Social Distortion! You are one of them!

[@PorkinsTheWhite]

This song has saved me so many times. I remember when my girl of 4 years broke up w/ me a week before my birthday and I went to see a local band play the day of my birthday. I remember feeling super depressed when all of a sudden they started playing this song. I got goosebumps and broke down and started crying. I seriously wish I could thank Mike for his music as it's so much a part of my life now.

[@anglirpamungkas8423]

I remember when i was highschool , it was 13 years ago , i was so poor , after schooltime over , i went to the market to helped people there and they gave me 5$ , it was really hard , we just got leftover food from our neighboor , every saturday night with all my Friends we used to played this songs , smoked ganja with fckin cheap local alcohol , that made me happier tho , now my life has changed at least i could get better much much better than before and this song has saved my life , i love my mom , my family and my friends , thank you social d' from Indonesia 👍

[@dinmanning]

You said it all and I’ve lived it and I’m grateful to be here and be helpful where I can. Thank you for speaking mind

[@dinmanning]

PS I don’t regret my past; my past has made me where I am today and giving me a desire to help others

[@BiasSportsBagBros]

Social Distortion songs are so therapeutic for me and I'm not even depressed nor do I carry a lot of stress!

[@prestoncox2896]

I haven't listened to social distortion since high school, ten years and a thousand tears ago(literally). Story of my life came on the radio this morning in the work truck and was just so much more relatable now then back then. Dropped out to work to support myself, dealt with addiction and got sober dad got sick and took care of him till he passed about a year ago. Moved back home to mom's, been trying to figure out a better life and direction. Not really in a bad place mentally, but kind of lost.

[@southpawjohnnyv1711]

I'm a huge fan of SxDx and have never heard this version before and I'm Loving it I so have related to this song over the years

[@bonnie1097]

Accordion! Yes! You guys still rock. I'm 42. Aging gracefully with ya!

[@Waterboy3399]

one of the best versions of this song I've ever heard! Thank you, S.D.

[@JonMiller4710]

i like the fact that i get to grow old with one of my favorite bands. i think Social D sounds pretty badass as a lounge band. Keep it up Mike.

[@daffapradana7587]

Such a beautiful song. God bless u, Ness❤

[@laurylienorman8822]

"Ball And Chain" 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 [Chorus:] 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 [Chorus:] 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 [Chorus:] 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

[@knojack6595]

Thx for the lyrics.

[@gtank171]

Last song I shared with my friend Mike Barak ! RIP " DUDE "

[@pwilson6439]

Rest in peace, MIKE.

[@djburtucky]

I love the original one of my favorite songs. This is haunting and beautiful.

[@Pher98]

I'm 19 years old and I've recently failed most of my my classes. I was forced to pick up a second job to pay off my debts and also for a roof to live under. On my first day to my new job, I got into a car crash. Even though it was the other drivers fault, I still felt awful about it because it wasn't my car to begin with and it wasn't really good to be an hour late to the first day of your job. Even though the crash was almost a month ago, my mental state has been gradually deteriorating and I grow more insane by the day. I can hardly even drive to work without having a mental breakdown. I listen to this song and it brings a tear to my eye. Not only is this acoustic rendition absolutely beautiful, but it really speaks to me about being too scared to die but having no real desire to live because you messed up everything so bad and most of it was within your control, be it alcoholism like the song suggests or immaturity in my case

[@irritatedcat4829]

I know you'll get through it. The world's more forgiving than you think.

[@stuartmacdonald4443]

Man you are going to be fine. It sucks now but you have so many good things ahead of you.

[@hermanmelville3871]

Chin up, kid. It gets better. Speaking from experience.

[@surge6696]

I know that feeling man.

[@dollreemappmmk14]

❤️

[@deadtroll242]

OMG!!! The fact that they have an Acordian playing blows my mind! I have loved them since I first heard them and this just makes them cooler in my book because fuck it they don't care if you think they got soft!!!

[@judsonclayto7813]

one of the best songs ever... i needed this when i first heard it in South Lake Tahoe 2001...

[@adriancastillo5521]

Ahh love how the acoustic sounds for this song.

[@windyman56]

The accordion solo breaks my heart

[@vanchaqepunx]

It's been 9 years since i watched this video and still watching till now !

[@GingerLeigh737]

@Pale Raven Hearth That’s what I’m talking about! Thank you for posting this ✌️💜

[@AndreaPier-j3q]

Love you. Remember fast lane in 1990a and Tara from Tom's river, you used to stop to see her on tour for bassist

[@carlosedward7991]

love this song

[@Backup218]

Been a big fan for over 30 yrs now

[@amylcorcoran]

Riko Vernertti RIP I now understand all you told me about the demons and I love you south and miss you always.

[@sam-ww1wk]

Oh, hell yeah. Everything every current neo county song wished to ever be. God damn, I love this song. I just cranked it on my 25watt Supro Black Magic, es-335, shit ton a fuzz n stuff, and everything is ok.

[@pelotasdad]

wow. that sounded so good. i love their songs electric, but this acoustic version still fits well with ness’ voice. thanks for posting this.

[@anneliamohara2842]

Absolutely brilliant !!! Love Social D !! ☘️

[@robertcase8413]

Talent and magic it’s like Mike knows my mind and my heart../ love every toon this man has written

[@mikesoles5524]

What a great song and stripped down and pure classic rock

[@Livemusic1800]

Damn. Late night 2020. This always puts me thru. Just awesome !!

[@johnmanley1161]

Still speaks, and with even more clarity. Thanks fellas

[@robertcase8413]

I am a washed up 45 year old single lad who has lost two wives and have kids that I blew it with them growing up due to drug addiction . Got sober had dam near 7 years and I threw it all away back in the shit again trying to break the sob ball and chain once again and or die doing it. Much love all I want to shed the light when they say one day at a time? Or live in the moment? They mean it cause it’s a no brainer never worry about the past and who cares about next week or even tomorrow.

[@mrphillhimself]

Only a true punk rock band with a heavy-lyrics song can make fierce a soft version like this.

[@doslobos7556]

Love this version!!!!

[@god6196]

This song is just more relevant to my life today, than 6 yrs ago when I was listening to this song on saints row 3 for fun.

[@abortiongonewrong]

I saw Social Distortion in Baltimore once and the place was packed!

[@glennbo76]

Still the greatest rock and roll band of all time I don't give a shit what anyone says.....

[@gr33n3ggs4]

It's been said; that one has NEVER sought out Social Distortion's music.... you reach a low point in your life & Social Distortion FINDS you. Lifts you up thru the darkness.

[@teleman2157]

Amen brother. They found me in a serious spiral after a bad breakup. Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell brought me back. You just can’t beat the blending of punk, rockabilly and old school country heartbreak.

[@icecreamjunkie6790]

Simply brilliant...

[@cucamongafreddy]

Best cover of this song I've found,!

[@1foren]

Bin Ten years & 1000 tears and look at the mess im in!!!!! Love this song!

[@otisguy7173]

My favorite. Thx

[@SomethingFunny454]

I love that in the original it was a broken down Chevrolet but every recording after he says the year of the car. It gives me hope.

[@jeffreyparks2371]

I won’t say this is the greatest song ever, but it is the greatest to use the word “dingy”.

[@HawaiiJetboat]

Here's another band that has a vocal harmony that pushes the simplicity of the song to the next level.

[@michaelsharp1991]

2021 and still listening.

[@marcomacciola9639]

Beautiful rendition

[@TokyoBlue587]

They should make an all acoustic album, this is great

[@bobopunk1]

still the greatest Punk Rock band of all time

[@stoner36s]

Tattooed on my arms, Born To Lose on the right, Destined To Fail on the left

[@dspf68]

Mike Ness is a legend. Leaves me speechless.

[@ketutagustini5335]

Love this band

[@joanjettboy]

so awesome!!!! love mike acoustic!!!

[@Backup218]

Social D acoustics are great they really should make an album. Theres more acoustics out here , Theyre all great.

[@Bluegastank]

I was hungover sitting at a construction site in my car when I first heard this song, then went to a recovery house in OC the next day.

[@abdurahmanelyafei6967]

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

[@vampirehunter42]

One thing I love about the punk/western mix is how it goes to acoustic so well. We got a local band that has mixed it well. Not this well, but well. I have to admit, though I am straight, I got a man crush on him.

[@aurum42]

He wasn't saying that no one likes Social Distortion, he was saying that there's no other band like Social Distortion.

[@oldmanblue7]

great version of a "classic" tune! mike rules!! Rock on Mr Ness!

[@pwilson6439]

SENT WITH A LOT OF LOVE.

[@Peacekpr4]

It's been 30 years since my first SxDx shows

[@skyflyut]

Jeff Hahn Im going to go see them next month.

[@Peacekpr4]

skyflyut Where at? I'm going 2 more times. Saw them in Hollywood on the 26th of July House of Blues

[@skyflyut]

Salt Lake City Utah

[@Peacekpr4]

skyflyut I'm going to SLC too

[@CodeBlackHQ]

+Jeff Hahn OLD!

[@Bacopa68]

Seems you're right. Good to know. Thanks. Saw it by his eye and thought it was tears. We took the tears seriously when I was young and I was worried about Mike's safety.

[@ThePreacher1995]

The nicest accordion,I have ever seen!

[@dst0ller]

@JohnnyIrish30 If you're playing the acoustic version with open chords, capo the first fret to set your tuning to F, then use D major, A Major, G major, D major chord formations. If you want the power chord, no capo then it's D flat major, A flat major, F sharp major, D flat major.

[@boogger250]

Old school punker here ..... NiCe addition with the accordian !!!!

[@AnarchyandEquality]

This song is very therapeutic for me.

[@DanielWangelin]

@MrShoopdawhoop58 Mike is into hot rods and classic cars, so when he mentions a date of a car, its because he actually owns one. he changes it almost every time he sings this song.

[@moemel1976]

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!

[@marismeldrins2647]

2021 and sure..

[@raquelmillani7596]

Thank You for this beautiful song! Please would you come back to Curitiba - Brazil one more time?

[@xTheGreenLightx]

His voice has lived :)

[@williamstamper442]

The words mean just as much in 2021 then when i first heard em in the 80s

[@williamstamper442]

I got the most pretty red head gal i been chasing for a year now. Every few weeks she "moves in" then she moves out again. We are on our 10th time on this now. I love her the same as i did the first time. Starting to think she dont love me back the same. Tears flow now as she asked me for just this weekend to decide. Told her she has a key and take as long as she needs...yet i know what that means...

[@jonathonallen1827]

Amazing.

[@harleyquinzel9499]

Love your resilience Michael James- can't stop listening to all things Ness from early 80's to present day. Especially love Prison Bound with Julian💖🤘

[@AB-lx8cf]

Silence of the lambs playing accordion was a treat.

[@niekolas]

It's great every Social D song can be turned into a briljant acoustic song

[@909mychemicalromance]

Because every song he's written was written on his 1939 Gibson acoustic I believe it was but they're all written on acoustic.

[@nwjones1]

Absolutely! I play a lot of their songs at an open mic night. People ask if it's mine and I say, "No. I wish."

[@Eurotrash4367]

This was my wedding song and my divorce song.

[@jasondifelice1559]

Eurotrash4367 me too! 1990 to 2014. I did 23 years of a life sentence then paroled myself.

[@DunderBallZ]

You can run all your life but not go anywhere

[@tz7207]

This year marks the 10th year I made the happiest decision in my life...backed by the saddest decision I made in my life. Happy 10th anniversary of you know what with you know who...you are. I still love you anyways, darling 🖤

[@syeahtsam]

2024 still listening

[@TOM20000]

Epic, I understand this song, life choices🤔