Ball and Chain (Elton John song)
 | This article does not cite any sources. (July 2011) |
| "Ball & Chain" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Elton John | ||||
| from the album Jump Up! | ||||
| B-side | "Where Have All the Good Times Gone" (alternate version) | |||
| Released | September 1982 | |||
| Recorded | September–October 1981 | |||
| Genre | Rock, acoustic pop | |||
| Length | 3:27 | |||
| Label | Geffen (US) Rocket (UK) | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Elton John, Gary Osborne | |||
| Producer(s) | Chris Thomas | |||
| Elton John singles chronology | ||||
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"Ball & Chain" is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Gary Osborne. It is the third track on his 1982 album Jump Up! and was released as a single in the United States in September that year. It features Pete Townshend of The Who on acoustic guitar.
Lyrical meaning[]
The song is basically about bad love, simply a relationship that is just not working. The singer feels that they have "a ball and chain hanging around [their] heart". Osborne also added some French words into the song.
Musical structure[]
The song opens with Pete Townshend's percussive guitar playing, and subtle piano from Elton John. The song then builds to a climactic finish, placing the final verse one tone higher.
Personnel[]
- Elton John – vocals, acoustic piano
- James Newton Howard – synthesizers
- Pete Townshend – acoustic guitar
- Richie Zito – electric guitar
- Dee Murray – bass
- Jeff Porcaro – drums
- Steve Holly – tambourine
Covers[]
Country music artist Kathy Mattea covered the song on her 1985 album From My Heart.
Categories:
- Elton John songs
- 1982 singles
- Songs with music by Elton John
- Songs with lyrics by Gary Osborne
- Song recordings produced by Chris Thomas (record producer)
- 1982 songs
- Geffen Records singles