b4-4 had moderate success in Canada. Notable singles include "Get Down", "Go Go", and "Everyday". The album earned them a nomination for Best New Group at the 2001 Juno Awards. Their second album, Before That, marked the beginning of a new rap attitude with hard hitting lyrics for gay rights. The album generated a minor buzz but is largely unknown due to the fact of their splitup.
Ball & Chain
B4-4 Lyrics
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Wrapped around your finger
Locked up, tie me down
Follow you forever
Never let you get away
Holding on like a ball and chain
(Boy, be my ball and chain
Yo it's gotta be right)
I never wanted to stay
In one place too long
On no, not me, I didn't want to be
A victim of that fatal touch
When you want someone too much - but
You, you'll be the end of me
And I don't want to run anymore
(( chorus ))
I just want to be your ball and chain
Wrapped around your finger
Locked up, tie me down
Follow you forever
Never let you get away
Holding on like a ball and chain
I tried my best to avoid
Making promises
Oh no, not me, I didn't want to
Be a prisoner of that tender trap
When there's no turning back - but
You, you got me on my knees
And I won't be afraid anymore
(( chorus ))
(( rap ))
Uh, what...
I know it's been some time
Confine - to be alone
But now I know I've found the one
It's gotta be this love jones
You know that I get open when you rub on my back
The goosebumps and the chills must be proof of that
'Cause I'm feelin'
When you dealin'
All the knowledge you've got
About makin' it good
When you're touchin' my spots
I got - lots of luvin' when we bubblin' right
I look forward to the time when the day turns night
Yo I say meet at the crib at a quarter to nine
And at that time what do I find?
(And I won't be afraid anymore)
The sight of you be wantin' me
Just hauntin' my fight
Boy, be my ball and chain
Yo it's gotta be right
I can't believe I'm holding on...
The lyrics to B4-4's song "Ball & Chain" reflect a desire to be a controlling force in a romantic relationship. The singer repeatedly requests to be the other person's "ball and chain," wanting to be "wrapped around your finger" and "locked up, tied down." This intense desire to possess the other person is contrasted with a fear of commitment and vulnerability that is expressed in the verses. The singer acknowledges that they have been reluctant to make promises or to stay in one place too long, but they now seem to have found someone that they cannot resist.
The second verse reveals that this desire for control and possession has been present in previous relationships, but this time it feels different. The "love jones" referenced in the rap verse confirms that the attraction is mutual and the singer is enjoying being under the other person's control. The chorus repeats the desire to be a ball and chain, holding on tightly to the object of desire.
The lyrics of "Ball & Chain" suggest a complex and potentially unhealthy dynamic between two people. The desire to control and possess another person can be toxic for both parties involved, ultimately leading to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. The song does not offer clear solutions or guidance for navigating this dynamic, but instead seems to celebrate the intense emotions of infatuation and desire.
Line by Line Meaning
I just want to be your ball and chain
I want to be completely devoted to you and never let you go
Wrapped around your finger
I want you to have complete control over me
Locked up, tie me down
I want you to hold me captive and dependent on you
Follow you forever
I want to be with you for the rest of my life
Never let you get away
I will do everything I can to keep you close to me
Holding on like a ball and chain
I will hold on to you tightly and never let go
I never wanted to stay
I never wanted to be tied down or committed to anyone
In one place too long
I didn't want to be stagnant or complacent
On no, not me, I didn't want to be
I was determined to avoid becoming
A victim of that fatal touch
The consequences of getting too involved with someone
When you want someone too much - but
When your feelings for someone are too strong
You, you'll be the end of me
You will be my downfall
And I don't want to run anymore
I don't want to keep avoiding love and commitment
I tried my best to avoid
I did everything I could to prevent
Making promises
Making commitments or declarations of love
Oh no, not me, I didn't want to
I was determined not to
Be a prisoner of that tender trap
Be trapped in a relationship based on emotions rather than logic
When there's no turning back - but
When you can't undo the feelings you have for someone
You, you got me on my knees
You have complete power over me
And I won't be afraid anymore
I'm no longer scared of love and commitment
I can't believe I'm holding on...
I'm amazed that I'm able to commit myself to you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDDIE RABBITT, PATRICIA KARAFKY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
xBLACKNINJAx
I use to be one of B44 dancers.........and when we were on tour, I thought that this was there best song.......... I wish I could do everything all over again as one of there backup dancer. Thanks Ryan, Dan and Ohad, you were a like a friend to me. il rememeber you guys forever.
Jeff Goodridge
You're from Toronto?
Em Pac
As someone who visited the b4-4 website at like 12 and talked in the chat rooms with the girls; you dancers had your own fan groups too. The breakdown from Go-Go was dope.
And yes, this is their best song. Used to reply it with my signed copy of this cd all the time to fall asleep to. Such great guys meeting them at pyskoblast was one of my best guilty pleasure memories. Gave Dan a gigantic bunny because I remember he had an albino bunny and there were pics of the guys sleeping on their tour busses with the fan gifts everywhere.
Thank you for your contribution to their great shows :)
kevin agee
cool!!!
stonecole23
This is probably the best boy band song of that era....the way the rap in the middle hits and you don't even see it coming completes this 'magical' sounding song in a way no other way could
Andrew Reid
This would always come on after basketball practice when i was young. Its so cheezy but so on point. Memories..
R-EightyOne
The singer is very if not solely influenced by MJ and he owns it wonderfully
Karai-Joan Procure
Still can't get over this song. <3
lauren scott
Always loved the melody on this song!!!
sarah watt
after all these years i still remember all the lyrics... oh makes me smile... :)