Social Distortion - Ball and Chain

[@JonathanHatch1967]

When I was 21, this band got me through heartbreak... I'm 55. This band is getting me through heartbreak...

[@timothyi1704]

Hope youre doing okay pal

[@christinanapier829]

Hope your healing

[@cocacola4blood365]

Wishing you the best.

[@GoodfellasX21]

Don't rely so much on others for happiness. Be independent and happy

[@MaRkYWaHoO]

You got this far….you got this 😉

[@ph4ntomsoldier]

I'm 33 years old now but when I was 13 I saw Social D live in Cincinnati and I remember shouting at Mike Ness to play this song. he pointed right at me and started it up, awesome moment in my life.

[@alicecelaya6290]

Fucking awesome!!

[@angelinarobert622]

I am jelly of you for that. It must have been awesome for you.

[@speculesgorgoth4055]

Why??? You are the one. You aren't crazy. Btw we really wish you would quit smoking. Air live in Paris. See you on the dark side of the moon

[@WilhelmNation]

@@angelinarobert622 BBC M bub

[@martinsvillechivo7892]

Mike Ness be like: Fasho my dude. I got you, fam 👌

[@richardrademaker4280]

Got me through two divorces, prison. and drug addiction. I'm now clean, have a degree in psychology, and happy for the moment. The one constant in my life was Social D. Thanks for always being there Mike.

[@bradmcgovern954]

Social D's music has gotten me through some tough patches in my life, but holy hell, nothing like that. Congrats man, glad to see things looking up for you!

[@KU-mq4er]

Cheers mann

[@j.dviant]

@@realname2214 he needs to not get married again.

[@mattinthehat3]

@@j.dviant 😂🤣

[@jmfkshhh8799]

Grew up with guy in Huntington beach Cali. Est LA. Wise guy man. Much love to you n your success.😎

[@KaraVillinger]

This means more to me then any song.. reminds me of my husband. It's been 13 yrs since he died.. he would play this for yrs up until he passed.. he wanted it all but was in pain.. since then I've gotten myself out of addiction and alcohol and had more amazing kids and now hear this and happy tears because I know he would be proud I've given the best to our kids n current. Doing it alone n I'm proud of me...

[@cameronsteele7169]

I hope you find the comfort you deserve in this world we live in.

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

I am proud of you . 2024

[@joesullivan259]

Keep up the good work!

[@strifeheart]

✊

[@Superman_305]

"I'm lonely, and I'm tired and I can't take anymore pain" those are the lyrics to my life I've struggled and battled throughout my life with bouts of depression and addiction to the point I lost everything my job, my relationship, and everything I ever cared about and everything that ever matter to me and just gave up and I said I can't take anymore of this pain. And one day when I was about to end it while sitting on my couch I seen a picture of my daughter and that gave me the strength and clarity that she's what's worth living for and after that I seeked and got help. So, for me this song is what helped me turn my life around and helped me realize that through the darkest days there is a light of hope.

[@mikeberg5003]

Stay strong brother. We saw Social D a few weeks ago down here in San Diego and Mike started the song by saying the song was about reflecting on himself roaming the streets of Santa Ana and San Diego and it was a song about being desperate but how pain can be a great motivator. Stay motivated man. Glad you got help.

[@Superman_305]

Thanks for your kind words it's greatly appreciated.

[@jackbuchanan1100]

Respect to you & all people that deal with life as we do. Keep on keeping on and bless your daughter.

[@DIYwithDaveD]

Amen brother. Stay strong. This song plays a significant role in my alcoholism and recovery as well. I doubt when Mike wrote it he had any idea that 30+ years later people would still be discussing how deeply it affected them.

[@r.s.334]

Sadly my daughter died last year taking a drug laced with heavy stuff she didn't know about. She has issues too but a great heart.

[@stevebermack4307]

"You can run all your life, but not go anywhere". Yep. Love this line.

[@micaisik]

"I'm born to lose and destined to fail" The best part though

[@danadoozer9990]

Love both these lines folks!

[@jeremyyano8926]

You ll find me at the end of the longest line

[@Maniac_7_7_7]

Made me cry

[@defshepard]

Good line. Sums up a lot of peoples lives.

[@JohnBailey-nw3mm]

73yrs old but still..Digging it...😊

[@condog4205]

This was one of my dad’s favorite songs. He passed away today on a motorcycle crash im listening to this song everyday now

[@josiahlight8088]

I’m sorry to hear that this song is beautiful and he is up there smiling at you jamming out!

[@josephshulman6666]

I understand my Dad passed away in 91 . I still listen to music he used to like that I've come like !!¡

[@rosemadder5547]

I’m so sorry. This song has helped so many people through the hardest times ❤ sounds like your dad really had soul 😊 I hope you’re well!!!

[@dereklong6751]

Sorry for your loss, be strong for those who are still here for your pops..... keep making him proud

[@cocacola4blood365]

From what you disclosed about your father, he rode a bike and he liked this song, tells me I would've liked him. Sounds like he was from my generation (I'm 52). I wonder what he made of all the changes in the world he witnessed. A shame I will never meet him. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@John-sz8yf]

WOW... Where have these guys been all my life ? ( I'm 68 yrs old ) Heard this song on 101.1 Orlando last week for the first time. Great band !!

[@chriscoccagna5917]

Welcome to the party...better late than ever showing up....

[@P1983sche]

Wow...hey, good for you though. My Dad used to have one of those 100 disc players and he shuffled this record in with Oingo Boingo, Depeche Mode and INXS. I would hit the shuffle button until it got back to the Social D record. 🤣

[@ghostgracechillr9091]

Enjoy sir these lyrics are timeless

[@bigyodatheman]

RRRRRRRR WJR W

[@Katy042077]

They're touring now! They're on my bucket list. See you there?

[@kaylalujane6704]

My dad was in and out of prison my whole childhood and I vividly remember my mom singing this song always about him, he passed away when I was seven years old. I will always think of my mom and dad and all the struggles and heartbreak they endured when I hear this song.

[@epramos6800]

Wow. I first saw SD in 1988 and I've been a fan since I was 21.. I'm sorry for your loss and props to u. I sang this song when my brother passed in 2014. I sang it to myself when I was alone at hid grave..

[@markbuchner7783]

As some dumb punk kid. Mike and Social Distortion saved my life. His words make just as much sense today as they did in 1983.

[@kaithongsavanh3649]

Mommy’s little monster? I hear ya

[@realityhurts8697]

Yes sir. Us old fellas know.

[@lawrencehardy6809]

Yes it does

[@josephpatrick6902]

In complete agreement, Mike. Your spot-on comment highlights and well illuminates what we "punks" have always known deep inside our respective soul--- Punk resonates with hope for the never-changing "human condition" and thus transcends time and space both in the past and in the future ad infinitum.😎. Keep on rockin' in the free world and God bless all!!!🤓😎😷

[@xelanoxin]

@@josephpatrick6902 hell yes

[@adameby2029]

I love this song. I’m a 9 years sober recovering alcoholic. Support from my family, friends in the program, and Social Distortion help keep me on the right track one day at a time.

[@TheBlackFrog79]

Congratulations on taming your demon, although I can't understand how difficult it was because I've never drunk.

[@edgeman160]

CONGRATS. 32 years here. This song helped me when I was dry and fixing to go back out. Keep trudging the road brother.

[@hauntabillykatt2480]

This is the music that got me through the hard times. From being homeless to getting my bachelors degree. thank you SOCIAL D.

[@xsmackmagazinex2616]

Congrats!!!!!

[@Takomuhra]

Have a masters and likely to be homeless within half a year. Education is the dumbest thing I've ever done.

[@theinternationallanguagees9213]

What's your masters degree in

[@Sam-in9dp]

Proves pink doesn't mean "loser".. some of the biggest "punks" I know did good things!!

[@Razzzz77]

I appreciate your comment! Peace n love👍🏻

[@amyosgood6044]

How many times did I put this song on repeat and wonder how good it would be to just let go of all the heart ache and disappointments in my life.....now I listion to it, giving my son a bath, by the grace of God I held tight. And I made it.....no I wasn't born to loose and destined to fail after all❤❤❤

[@hemingway1463]

This brings tears to a lot of us.

[@daisychainmilk]

First time listening to this song and this has me in tears lol. Thought I was the only one. It spoke to me especially in regards to addiction. Recovering heroin addict.

[@LalaLala-vv8hs]

Oh im gonna cry for ur comment

[@richiesuller6414]

41 and fighting for my life with bone cancer in the hospital. This song and others from social d has gotten me through so much

[@stitches513]

Thinking of you-well wishes that you get thru this! ❤️‍🩹

[@alemartinsart]

Good lucky for you, my brother !

[@nyarlathotep1328]

Strength and honor!

[@davidornelas5563]

Prayers and Best Karma sending your way.

[@waheschau6864]

Fuck cancer all the best from Germany hope you get well son❤

[@MrAngelmusic11]

if social distortion still checks this site, it's extremely interesting how this song gives so many inspiration to persevere from being in a dark place to wanting to see the light. when you listen to the lyrics, they're heavy but they're also comforting knowing "i was once in that dark place but now i'm free". that's what this song is about...freeing yourself from misery.

[@alpalmer7717]

80 yrs old, just found SD, Greatness

[@josephlagundo5970]

Hope your still listening at 82!

[@mannyamato3421]

You poor soul!

[@nunyabidniz8126]

Can you imagine anyone saying this about modern "music"?

[@DIYwithDaveD]

I spent many nights circa 2011~2012 listening to this song on repeat for extended periods of time and crying. I said at the time he was telling my story-except I preferred vodka to gin, my Chevrolet was running well, and I had no wife. April 8th 2013 I woke up in an intensive care unit, and this Ball & Chain was finally taken away. A week and a half ago, I took my sister to hear me tell my tale to a bunch of folks in a church basement who supported me through some very tough times, as I celebrated a decade of sobriety. A number of years after my last drink, hearing Mike say these words still brings up emotions. ❤

[@jeffpelkey6077]

Good for you stay strong. You can live without it and ALL the headaches

[@melissacortez-bingham1750]

We don’t search for old music, we revisit old memories… ❤

[@watsonheilala9918]

This hit right in the heart

[@ZombieDawg]

It's not old music to me if it's still in constant rotation in my brain.

[@BennyFF64]

No better way to describe it, bud

[@chrisclark9373]

Right in the feels

[@josephshulman6666]

Well Stated and So True !!!!

[@DopamineOverload]

Mike Ness is the fucking man. Is, was, and always will be. Social D is THE band for underdogs, and people who have busted their ass, trying to do right, and never fucking catching a break. They are the soundtrack to my life. I'll forever be in debt to Ness and all the music he's made. Thanks, Mike.

[@aborar1406]

Yes!

[@PunkRockPariah]

Their music is the story of your life ;)

[@ZnenTitan]

The only way you could write and perform this with such conviction is being kicked in the ass by life and society.

[@hollybryant928]

The older I get, the more I love this song. Hello old friend.

[@dannymarr414]

Holly 🤪, agree 😊

[@ROT4RYfc3s]

It's an incredibly beautiful song about the struggles of addiction.

[@keithwhipkey642]

Lol amen....

[@Adell-dr9mo]

Yesss

[@performancetesting1]

Best song when you’re home from work, worn out, and the depression headaches won’t stop. And you think, how much longer can I honestly do this?

[@57badarse]

You nailed it my dude. Totally nailed it.

[@TokyoBlue587]

Yeah I relate to these lyrics a bit too much...

[@robertkerns3488]

right on

[@michellelopez1201]

I'm in the same boat friend I hate life but I gotta keep going for my 2 kids

[@robertkerns3488]

@@michellelopez1201 Stay strong, things can and will change

[@jakemcgrath9708]

This band got me through spinal fusion surgery when I was 14. The recovery was 6 months. But now they are helping me through a near death experience now at 29. I love you guys. Also one of the best live shows I’ve seen

[@cocacola4blood365]

Ouch! Best wishes!

[@tmektl27]

I used to work with this guy and we became best friends. We would travel all over together with the company we worked for. He had a rough childhood and a rough life in general. This was one of his favorite songs. He passed away a few years ago, but when I hear this song it brings it all back for me. It's like I'm transported right back to that time and living those memories.

[@TheBlackFrog79]

I say hello to your best friend! ❤️

[@eligebrown8998]

I never new he passed away. Damn

[@FedericoCorreapainter]

Mike Ness is alive ....

[@Idontknowmaybejohnsmith]

How to become top comment 101: Step 1: “Someone I knew loced the song… they dieded 😢” Step 2: Gain sympathy from strangers on platform for pointless thimbs up Step 3: ??? Step 4: profit!

[@k.h.1587]

@@ELBlDu it was pretty obvious that the comment was about the guy's coworker who liked the song, not Mike Ness

[@arturotrianamaranon6686]

I love Social distortion. Old punks never die!

[@zenjon7892]

Ya know...I've been listening to them since high school. But I gotta say the older I get, the more I like them...

[@davidlee1543]

Zen Jon most definitely. Maturity is a key factor in most peoples music taste forsure

[@angiep.6277]

+David Lee definitely

[@johndonnelly8623]

Beastie Boy's rock also

[@rockinsteady406]

101

[@jcpop21]

Zen Jon v v

[@jrswell]

Social D has that Hank Williams quality to their lyrics and melody that don’t always get the credit they deserve. It’s the universal human experience, it’s catchy, it’s delivered with an elegant simplicity. It’s really hard to make songs like this, universally relatable but unique and is able to avoid being cliche.

[@philwilson7816]

"YES, YES, YES " A title to an Old NRBQ BAND song !

[@Hugh-Man0006]

Saw these guys with The Ramones at a shitty dance hall in Atlanta when I was 18. One of the best nights of my life. Broke, drunk and stoned but loving every second of it.

[@ME-mq2ub]

that double bill must have been KILLER. What year?

[@devilhorn1]

International Ballroom. I was on the way to that show with some friends when we got rear ended by a drunk driver and ended up in a police station all night

[@chairuzhsholeh5600]

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 not 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 not 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 not take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away Take away this ball and chain

[@beqiblaqheart9388]

This band literally kept me alive through one of the worst years of my life.

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

Hello beautiful

[@TokyoBlue587]

me too

[@docrainwater6930]

yup

[@terminaldisfunction5306]

Me too just started high school, shit sucks

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

2 years later after your comment you're able to talk about it. I wouldn't say music changes lives, only just that it can take us away from bad places for long enough for us to find a way to make things better.

[@lordbane5627]

I'm 32 now and been listening to Social D since I was 5. I've expanded my music tastes vastly over the years, from Sinatra to Celia Cruz to The Clancy Brothers. However, no matter what I've ever gotten into, Social D has always been my favorite band. There's nothing that relates more to my childhood and the lessons I've learned in life. Constantly going home black and blue, with blood on my face, a broken nose and a chip on my shoulder. Being homeless before I even hit puberty. Blaming society for all my problems. And then realizing how wrong I was, learning from the struggles and growing as a person. I'm not sure I'd be who I am today without Social Distortion in my life.

[@LifeAdviceSite]

Wow! Kudos to you on pulling strength from your struggles. That’s a hard lesson many don’t learn even after living an entire lifetime... ❤

[@lot2196]

Good for you brother. I hate victom mentality. Own your life and make it better. Great job

[@eriesniper]

Have you ever listened to The Old 97's? Similar sound.

[@frederickglasser5617]

You must've been the coolest dude in kindergarten. And on the principals watch list.

[@QuixoticCowboy]

A family friend is a huge Social D fan and she took my mom and I to a concert back in 09. I was 13 at the time and still say that was the day I was born. For the first time in my life something completely resonated with me. Thank you Social D for introducing me into the awesome world that is Rock'n'Roll.

[@markbuchner7783]

It happens all the time. If I need a song that will empty the negative thoughts in my head, Prison Bound is the song I listen to. Have the vinyl, tape, cd and digital. One tape broke due to the amount of play.

[@Masterdebater1313]

No band has ever been able to make me snarl and get misty eyed at the same time. I love you Social D.

[@mikerevello3828]

...as I type this response slamming my foot in time with a case of misty eyes

[@RootsRockRebel]

I'll never forget seeing this video on MTV late one night in 1990 and then heading straight to the record store the next morning before it even opened so I could buy the album. Needless to say, it immediately became one of my favorite records of all time.

[@ahhwe-any7434]

Ha ... Prob why I can't remember this video. I think I was too busy trying to find worms in sandboxes. Watching them move on when I cut them up in pieces 🤮. Maybe trying to get over my irrational fear. Not that it worked. But ok sd, I see you. And yah, still remember

[@jessica2001theonly]

I’m 20 and the last two years went from almost being homeless to a life I never dreamed possible. I never got to see them in person but I hope to someday meet them and hug each member individually and thank them for helping me to rise up and have the courage to own my life!!! Social D forever!!

[@georgewright1189]

One of the most underrated bands ever

[@joshduhon6550]

Over rated*

[@fin5317]

@@joshduhon6550 under rated*

[@charlesjohnson166]

How are they overrated?

[@ME-mq2ub]

they are very underrated, especially compared to rock bands who cannot play a scorching two hour live concert

[@ME-mq2ub]

if this band had not recorded and got the little recognition it did, I bet other later bands like Green Day would not have come up behind them

[@lisadoughman634]

Every time i hear SD i remember my best friend 'Woody' who was more a brother than a friend. (ball and Chain) was his favorite song- he adored this album. hed play it over and over in the car when we drove places. In the mid 90s i cant recall the year, he wanted to see SD. it was in a small place in NYC - very crowded. My memory of that night was the band playing and Woody got so drunk (possibly high) he was almost passing out- i had to keep holding him up, breaking his fall or pulling him off the floor in the club so he wouldn't get stepped on. What a night! He died tragically in October 1999, finally free of the ball and chain he tried so hard to kick.. not a day goes by i don't think of him. Miss you Woody..

[@srtb3931]

I'm in my 40's and I hadn't heard of these guys until I heard their cover of ring of fire, well I'm hooked, these guys are bad ass! Better late than never!

[@KingNothing330]

Exactly at least if you have kids you can put them onto greatness

[@jefferygravitt7412]

damn right!

[@jehugo66]

Heard that back in 80s! Glad you found it!

[@leehigh3918]

Get your facts right before posting

[@toastbusters7797]

Lee High read the comment again. He has his facts right. It's just the fact that he said he is in his 40s that threw you off.

[@joemaimone1161]

53, and in rehab recovering from a stroke. Social D's music is one of the only things getting me through this. Thanks for listening.

[@sparkymarkm322]

I’m almost 63 years old and my life just now changed in some profound ways, TY.

[@tThisNThat]

Never too late to change :)

[@DGG-hj7cu]

Listened to their CASSETTE tape over a hundred times!!!! I drove from Newport Beach Calif to Chicago in April of 1993 in my new used 1979 trans am . Only cassette I had for the 2000 mile journey. April of 2022 still have the trans am and this CASSETTE ! It never left the car .

[@dspf68]

Mike Ness is one of the most underrated songwriters ever!

[@plushman3685]

You can run all your life, but not go anywhere ❤

[@stevenhaney3312]

This band is completely underrated. The vocals of this song, "Story of my Life", "Ring of Fire", and I could go on. The vocals on this particular song ring in my ears even when I am not listening to the song. This band Rocks!!!!

[@elmagolisergico]

I've been down, I've been up and wherever I may be, this song will always beat on my punk-ass heart.

[@rockydennis4497]

Up until my kids being born this song was the soundtrack to my life.I tear up every time I hear this beauty of a song!!Got me through many nights of wondering if life was a gift or a curse.Thanks boys.....forever grateful!!!

[@fatjeezussouthtexasoutdoor5244]

Jeff Eastling definitely a gift

[@bobosputnik]

My 12 year old recently figured it out on the piano by ear. I heard the familiar chords coming from the living room. I sat and listened as he softly sang the lyrics. When he finished he said "Man, that's a sad song. But it makes me feel good, too." A-fricking-men.

[@Paradox_Pairadice]

My father is a metalhead, but every now again in the car when I was younger, he would throw social distortion on. Blessed

[@MasterGaryFan]

I love Social D. Every song only uses 3 chords with a simple drum beat and every song sounds the same yet all so amazing.

[@timothysullivan6783]

So Cal KROQ 80s-90s used to listen to Jed the Fish play this rocking out in my Toyota Tercel. Those were the days.

[@frederickglasser5617]

106.7

[@trippyboy318]

One of those rare bands that are just pure talent

[@由-e1s]

だいすきな　バンドですこの曲が一番すきです

[@TheMarshmelloKing]

You can run all your life, but not get anywhere.

[@richardgell9839]

love this damn song. so many of the lyrics hit so close to home. i cant take any more pain!

[@tanyascott2195]

Love this song it reminds me of my male sexy male friend he is so massed up from being around the wrong crowd and is trying to change 🙂

[@mikethegrunty5968]

One of the most underrated band ever. Love these guys

[@FargoMarc]

This song was the Epiphany I needed to finally start getting help with my depression.. I was at the point of either getting help or ending it all. The song helped push me in the right direction

[@gcat1113]

Aw man, the 90s. That guitar 🎸 starts and I’m a teen again listening to social d on Kroq. Great sound, great look. I never could replicate that perfect coif of Mike’s. God bless. Everyone can be saved in Jesus Christ

[@Frantzen79]

Been fighting this ball and chain all my life... great track.

[@showmegod5376]

No one was Born to Lose. No One. Dont Give Up. Dont Ever Give Up. Ever.

[@fernandotills]

SHOWMEGOD Thank you.

[@dukerrr]

Weird I've been thinking about that “Born to lose” statement for awhile, kind of wanted to get a tattoo of it

[@chrisbrueckel9477]

I'm definitely born to lose

[@alexvogel9458]

@@chrisbrueckel9477 I feel the same sometimes. I keep playing the game though. Someday some way I'll win. And you can too

[@justinastylski5185]

Peyton kline.

[@branwhite4973]

One of my favs to sit and play on a sunny Saturday. Reminds me of my youth and my middle age, for totally different reasons. Now I found a ball and chain to save the day. Rock on and be kind. Cheers.

[@Tibbz1313]

April 2023 and this still jamming to the masterpiece, this song has gotten me through some of my darkest days and times but helped me keep fighting and not giving up!! As of two days ago I am 9 months clean and sober, working a full time job and making amends to those I hurt throughout my alcoholism while also putting my life back together!! Thank you Social D for this epic and timeless classic!!!!🎸🥁🤘🔥❤️

[@damianshen7448]

Saw them last night in North Charleston, still banging!

[@jillmeraz7542]

"You can run all your life, but not go anywhere..." So true. These lyrics speak to me...

[@TheMarshmelloKing]

Now imagine someone could take that pain away

[@jillmeraz7542]

@@TheMarshmelloKing I wish it were that easy...

[@letshearthatagain4703]

You are the man Mike Ness. Don't go soft, stay true to the roots. Later

[@paulguzman1634]

Dude is singing my life man!! Totally in Tears man!

[@redbarrel1904]

going into detox then sober living today. social distortion has always been my drinking band and when i’m sober my band. true feelings

[@budizzz4648]

I am a 2006 kids. I like Social Distortion, because my brother is a fan of Social Distortion. He always plays this song every weekend. And finally I found my true love in this song. I am fan from INDONESIA 🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@yanantoyandi2568]

saya penggemar social disrtortion dari indonesia 😎 band terbaik. orang indonesia jarang ada yg tau band ini

[@budizzz4648]

@@yanantoyandi2568 selera kita berkelas bang 😂

[@ROT4RYfc3s]

Social D is like a fine wine. Keeps getting better with age.

[@PWBass-hm2kb]

Caught Social D on the tour for this album, 1991/2 I reckon. Hovering around the venue before the show as a little skate rat. The van pulled up out front and I recall Mike Ness was driving. Me and the other skate kids rolled up and before they even got outta the van Mike had bought a copy of our crappy stapled together skate zine. He and the rest of the band were incredibly gracious and engaging. They put on one hell of a show that night! This song, and their music in general, moves me.

[@rcbrammer]

Mike Ness has never received the recognition that he deserves. Too bad! A true punker!

[@juanrivera6109]

I recently discovered Social Distortion's music and I can't get enough. Makes me question why I hadn't heard from them or about them before. Many years later I consider myself a fan.

[@jeremyshoemaker6562]

This song..and many Social D n Mike Ness songs...bring out such personal reflections and personal experiences we all relate to....that is powerful and genius music....I too have and still do struggle with addiction, my criminal record, divorces and life in general and relate to all of it and reminded of both the good times and destruction that went with it and that I relive through these songs. Tears of old friends and great times and tears of lost time, lost relationships and poor choices....all add up to my life and good to know I'm far from alone

[@meziro4997]

セインツロウのラジオで大好きになって調べたらこんなBIGバンドの名曲だったんだ！ 歌詞も凄く沁みる😢

[@klashr13]

[Verse 1] 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 singing 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 this ball and chain [Verse 2] 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] [Guitar Solo] [Verse 3] Well I'll pass the bar on the way To my dingy hotel room I spent all my money I've been drinking since half past noon Well I'll wake there in the morning Or maybe in the county jail Times are hard getting harder I'm born to lose and destined to fail [Chorus] [Sexy Outro Solo] Ball and Chain by Social Distortion Lyrics source: Genius

[@lorilsteber550]

Thank You ❤

[@williamgolden839]

Born to lose and destin to fail, what a great line/lyric.

[@johnnydorelli1]

I like his voice...it comes directly from the heart, Great song!

[@MariaLopez-er5ux]

My love, my Dove 🕊 , my mom died this past April... I'm glad that I tattooed a rose on my left shoulder. She asked me to tattoo a rose for her on her last Bday... She cried when I showed it to her. She knew her time to leave this earth was nearing. Now I'm rambling, thank you SD for your heartfelt song. I'll see her again... Dear Mom, "Till the angels sing..."

[@由-e1s]

詩もメロディも最高です

[@jayfromphilly1782]

To think that Social Distortion was once a hardcore band. When this song was released they were marketed as alternative rock. Today "Ball and Chain" would be played on the country stations. And in all time (almost 40 years) Social D never really changed their sound.

[@ryanandresen2169]

lots of social D songs have gotten me through alot of shitty times n my life. thank u Mike ness

[@joliekitten5046]

Ryan Andresen same here✌️

[@jasminericenic]

Their music puts a tear in my eye.

[@scotthayes1210]

Ryan Andresen, amen to that brother!

[@bettythomas930]

I lived one block away in Fullerton from the boy's jammed a few nights with them in the neighborhood with the locals

[@koolperson99]

me to

[@RickVarain]

I’m a Swedish Death Metal guy ,but Mike Ness and Social Distortion has been a pleasure of mine since the 80’s. Could not ever explain my love for this music.

[@BrokeAtBestMusic]

Still one of my favorite jams. It just doesn't get old!

[@tomwolfe6063]

Simple song but an absolute masterpiece. The art is in the writing folks. If you don't have the gift but you can play really well, get on heroine like any respectable song writer. Kidding of course.

[@cipher9661]

+Brian Koceja he was saying this is a great song. it is simple in the structure, but that's the beauty of words accompanied by some simple power chords.

[@haveagreatday9865]

it might be a joke but many beautiful songs were written using performance enhancing drugs like heroin and coke

[@Skotto2316]

Hell I'd crawl on a decent looking heroine, now heroin I'd probably avoid.

[@OGCDUBYA]

This song is all about heroin ,that's the ball and chain it's a miserable lifestyle

[@ahhwe-any7434]

I like the name social distortion tho. Also, is there a guy who's softly singing ahhh in the background :/. As sad as this song is, that's purty & soothing. Scratch 3:41 caught the ahhh guy. Thx ahhh guy. For softening the edge

[@user-dn8fp7ol5z]

I love Social D and this song got me thru the worst drug addiction ever. I always said the drugs are a ball and chain that held my life down and I felt born to lose and destined to fail. I was ready to end my life when rock n roll saved my life and got me thru the worst of times. No matter how hard times get u can always crank up some great rock n roll and life will look up. And btw Mike Ness is the ultimate punk rock badass who can rock the eyeliner and look like such a cool dude. Thank u Social D and thank the gods for rock n roll!!!

[@tadpetrie3464]

Heard this for the first time in years a little while ago at a Sheetz gas station would you believe?! I was jamming and the teenagers working there (I'm 57) must have thought I was loony toons! I had forgotten how great a band Social Distortion is!!!

[@buzzgoal]

Ball and Chain tune is not (necessarily) about a girl - it's about any vice you've ever had. I know what it's about for me. Social Distortion music just simply rocks! Great records and unreal live shows! Keep it up, Mike Ness and crew!

[@richardrademaker4280]

It's about heroin.... Seriously

[@Hogheadsforbreakfast]

I think that it's awesome that some people hear these songs and only hear the negative, the rest of us gather strength from hearing lyrics that directly apply to us at different times of our lives. So many positive things in the comments.....

[@gameclipsandother5106]

I’m listening to this during the lockdown and it really helps

[@rickbriggs3984]

I sat with Mike at the west end of the bar at Ichabods in Fullerton the night he was to report to jail. I talked to him at length how he needed to get it right, I’m glad he did. Still one of my favorite bands. I missed him backstage at the SD concert with the Ramones

[@alexpowers486]

Going through a divorce right now and can totally relate to this song. It was 10 years with the girl and hard nights breaking down because of worrying about our son and just the depression with my situation. Song really helped though in the end. Music period helped me through this

[@carycrediford7036]

Music is medicine!😎✌️

[@mattpeacock5208]

Divorce tunes are the "adult' version of "break up tunes". Social D does it better than anyone!

[@VIBEskatechannel]

I remember when I was training to be a barber and this song came on the radio whilst I was cutting hair, I wasn’t very confident cutting hair for a long time. Years later I now have my own barbershop and this song came on the radio today whilst I was cutting hair again and it made me smile, something about this song makes you just feel like you’ve come full circle..

[@williamtobin7282]

LOVE how Mike just shredds his guitar then spits. Hard rockin cat.God Bless

[@bethnorrod5942]

I listened to these guys in high school, and I thought this song applied to me then. Years later, when I'm an addict and lost everything, then I really knew the meaning of this song. It will always have a special place.

[@kiolube]

From making alot of money selling drugs and ruining lives, to be homeless on heroin (karma) and now I'm employed and healthy. This song was always there.

[@robertspence831]

Story of my life, right there......

[@thatjamisonguy]

Did.. did we get old? Are we the old people that young people complain about in music now? I'm still a rebel!!!

[@patrickwilson7378]

I could always relate to this song 'cause I've been there'n done that. However, I mostly play with kindred musicians brought up on rock, trad country, and Bluegrass music. We mostly play acoustic with every stringed thang there is. I always love Social D and thought Ball and Chain would be well suited for twangin' out hillbilly hickster style. So I did! Got a few of my friends together while camped at our local yearly Walnut Valley Music festival and Natl Flatpicking Championship. I played for them, they (upright bass, dobro, harmonica, and another guitar along with mine) put their 2 cents in and it sounded great! We had a time slot to play on Stage5, an old early 50's Chevy flatbed truck made into a really cool stage rigged with a great sound system. We opened with Ball and Chain "countryfied" and WE ROCKED IT!!! The crowd loved our version and we play it all the time now. Thanks Social D for a great song!

[@sixfootturkey8198]

This song is pretty much my life anthem.

[@whsh3271]

You had an addiction and you couldnt kick it? Phh

[@sixfootturkey8198]

Courier38 Lala Lee Um, I thought it was kinda funny :P

[@jehugo66]

+Courier38 Yeah, my Lady

[@CLP-t7c]

+Six Foot Turkey- Me too. A perfect summary.

[@MorgueNtv]

+Six Foot Turkey you mean this song is basically the story of you life?

[@DiJaBOLA454]

Again keeping me from offing myself I now listen to it for fun. Makes me happy to be alive

[@ccg2483]

Womp womp

[@DiJaBOLA454]

@@ccg2483 best song ever, literally Sysiphus just being happy 💖

[@willadventure4adventures226]

Sometimes music can get you through the shit life throws at you, these guys did that for me.thankyou from a broken grunt!

[@由-e1s]

一番すきな曲です。