Social Distortion - Ball and Chain

[@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.😎

[@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 😉

[@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.

[@jeffbriggs7120]

Keep it going bro

[@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]

✊

[@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.

[@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❤

[@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.

[@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👍🏻

[@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 !

[@levonhunt2952]

Funny that say that because just listening to the lyrics it would have made a good outlaw country song

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@JohnBailey-nw3mm]

73yrs old but still..Digging it...😊

[@FrancineArcieri]

I was rocking out to this at the stores Found Art the clown Terrifer plushy Most excellent They have blankets towels shirts pajamas thermos Not cheap but collectibles

[@paulhammons7077]

😊 then you must be awesome 😊have an amazing existence 🙌

[@JohnBailey-nw3mm]

@paulhammons7077 you also

[@PeteJackson-f1x]

Amen my brother 🙋

[@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

[@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..

[@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

[@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

[@paulguzman1634]

Dude is singing my life man!! Totally in Tears! But we all gotta do life, move on and choose your paths for good or bad. I have Travelled different roads Good and Bad and became the jack of all trades even becoming a professional Chef over my years in restaurants and a merchant seaman of 15+ years with a "few" busted relationships with the ladies along the way. I am currently a 70+ year old addiction treatment specialist in San Francisco retiring at 70 after 22 years working with addicts in the City by the Bay (like myself) My message? Be the Best that you can be and go after life with a purpose learning and growing along the way. Do You, but with a purpose and remember you have to take the Bitter with the Sweet! May God and the universe be with you all! Peace Out.

[@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

[@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..

[@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.

[@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 !!!!

[@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"?

[@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

[@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❤❤❤

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@sparkymarkm322]

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

[@tThisNThat]

Never too late to change :)

[@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.

[@AndyReznov]

Analog recording 50's mic, in a old warehouse, you can't get that sound anywhere else perfection

[@dspf68]

Mike Ness is one of the most underrated songwriters ever!

[@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

[@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 .

[@yongkim777]

One of the most highly under rated band! The lyrics speak volumes👍👍

[@arturotrianamaranon6686]

I love Social distortion. Old punks never die!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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..."

[@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...

[@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.

[@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

[@elfynde8863]

I have been listening to this song for many many years and just now I finally understood when he says "but wherever I have gone, I was sure to find myself there"

[@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!!!!

[@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

[@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

[@pedromuniz7078]

Clean and sober today. To think that 30 Years ago today, I was locked up and that it would be a while for me to know the new freedom I know today ❤

[@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 😂

[@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

[@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.

[@plushman3685]

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

[@trippyboy318]

One of those rare bands that are just pure talent

[@ROT4RYfc3s]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mattpeacock5208]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!!!!🎸🥁🤘🔥❤️

[@elmagolisergico]

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

[@gr33n3ggs4]

There is a legend saying most have not heard of Social Distortion ....... It's because you can't just turn on the radio and hear them. In the hardships & darkness of life; Social Distortion music FINDS YOU. Hit LIKE if SD has saved you.

[@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

[@damianshen7448]

Saw them last night in North Charleston, still banging!

[@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.

[@mikethegrunty5968]

One of the most underrated band ever. Love these guys

[@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 💖

[@laurentitelman1836]

Rip to my stepdad who passed on yesterday, he loved social d so much 🖤

[@Millwall77]

Sorry for your loss.

[@stephenshort1738]

Hey , This song just saved my life AGAIN.. One FUCKED UP PTSD SURVIVER, SO FARE, Thank You again. Mike

[@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..

[@letshearthatagain4703]

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

[@Frantzen79]

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

[@Onyxstonesatx]

My step dad manny loved this band and would listen to this he passed away from a bike accident and I miss him so much rip manny i miss you hella much

[@williamgolden839]

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

[@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.

[@aimeekelly9794]

I’m almost 46 and just heard this song for the first time today. Wow. Brings me back to being 23 and hitting my bottom with alcoholism. I think I found a new (for me) band to appreciate. My son is in college and I just texted him to listen this song. He loves all types of music. I guess it’s never too late to discover gems like this.

[@davidmoon1679]

I'm 57 (like the chevy) and Mike Ness is still one of my heroes. I'm in Australia yet his stories of prison and hardship couldn't be closer to home.

[@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.

[@thatjamisonguy]

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

[@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

[@jamesduffy5980]

I won’t stop until I listen to every song I loved in the 90s tonight. And even a bunch of the ones I hated. Wish me luck.

[@rcbrammer]

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

[@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

[@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

[@msmelinda420]

Awww they were so young and handsome. I saw them and Bad Religion a few months back and they are still just as awesome as ever!

[@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.....

[@blakenorman504]

Rock and roll never dies, thank God

[@jennyguzman7636]

My son (stepson) fave song and band. He committed suicide 3 years ago. RIP Jesse Guzman. I love you 💜

[@BS1af]

Jenny Guzman So very sorry for the pain & loss you all suffer 💔

[@christopherdrzik6784]

My son committed suicide 20 years ago. You'll get a scab. My dog Beau just died on the anniversary of his passing. I was more upset about my dog. There were 32 people at a dog funeral.

[@robertspence831]

RIP.

[@jasondrummond4581]

So so sad whenever I hear about something like this. Very very sorry as I know all to well how this feels. Time doesn't heal all wounds....but I do pray it's getting easier for you.

[@jennyguzman7636]

@@jasondrummond4581 thank you so much. I miss him every day, hour and minute. I lost his dad 2 years later from Parkinson's disease from agent orange in Vietnam. All I can do is listen to the music and ask why. Thank you for your thoughts 💜

[@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😢

[@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.

[@abbym6704]

I always listen to this when I miss my brother. Love you Jason.

[@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 🙂

[@thecrapartistx]

I'm gonna be 50 this year.. This was my jam as a neglected teenager.

[@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......