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"Ball and Chain"
Single by Social Distortion
from the album Social Distortion
ReleasedMarch 27, 1990
Recorded1989
Genre
Length5:44
Label Epic
Songwriter(s) Mike Ness
Producer(s) Dave Jerden
Social Distortion singles chronology
" Story of My Life"
(1990)
"Ball and Chain"
(1990)
" Ring of Fire"
(1990)

"Ball and Chain" is a song by Southern California punk rock band Social Distortion. Written by Mike Ness in 1987, it is featured on their self-titled album released in 1990, as well as on Live at the Roxy (1998).

In the words of Ness, "Ball and Chain" is "a hard luck story," [3] a forceful cry, a lament, a plea, a "folk prayer." [4]

The music video was directed by Tony van den Ende and edited by Scott C. Wilson.

Charts

Chart (1990) Peak
position
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard) [5] 13

References

  1. ^ Distefano, Alex (March 18, 2014). "The 10 Best Social Distortion Songs". OC Weekly. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  2. ^ Deming, Mark. "Social Distortion - Social Distortion Review". AllMusic. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  3. ^ Mike Ness, Introduction to performance of "Ball and Chain", Live at the Roxy
  4. ^ Mike Ness, Liner Notes, Live at the Roxy
  5. ^ "Social Distortion Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2024.