"Ball and Chain" is a hit 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 lead singer/writer Mike 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.
