Social Distortion - Ball and Chain 

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.

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

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.

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...

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

"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.

73yrs old but still..Digging it...😊

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.

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

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

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 !!

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

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.

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❤❤❤

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.

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.

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?

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.

This brings tears to a lot of us.

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. ❤

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

80 yrs old, just found SD, Greatness

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

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

Written, "im sick and tired and i cant take any more pain" doesn't seem like the most emotionally complex lyrics but sung? Shit hits home!! Fkin love it!

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.

One of the most underrated bands ever

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

Saw them last night in North Charleston, still banging!

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

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.

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!!

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

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.

I love Social distortion. Old punks never die!

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..

Mike Ness is one of the most underrated songwriters ever!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

One of those rare bands that are just pure talent

I wish I did not understand this song so well.

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.

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!!!!

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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!!!!🎸🥁🤘🔥❤️

One of the most underrated band ever. Love these guys

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

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.

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 🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

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.

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

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.

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

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

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..

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

Best band of all time......

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 .

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

Saints Row 3 broguht me here I know it's late, but it's better than never heard this song

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Sadly I don't think social distortion ever quite got the attention they deserved...another underrated band lost in the sands of time :(

Who's listening to this during COVID 19 lockdown?

Can you imagine ?, we were proud to be called, "Drunken Speed Freaks." That "Ball and Chain " was broken 33yrs ago. God bless us. Were still here.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!!!

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

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.....

だいすきな　バンドですこの曲が一番すきです

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

These guys got me through a lot of low bottoms

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

IM 67 YEARS OLD AND THIS IS THE STORY OF MY LIFE

Doesn't rock and roll always sound better played in a warehouse or garage?

Nearly 18 years ago I played this song a lot clinging to moments of staying clean. Social D spoke to me in those early days. Never picked up again. Grateful for all their jams.