"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," a forceful cry, a lament, a plea, a "folk prayer." The music video was directed by Tony van den Ende and edited by Scott C. Wilson. References 1990 songs Social Distortion songs Epic Records singles Songs written by Mike Ness Songs about alcohol Songs about drugs Songs about prison