Daughter of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, and the sister of Rufus Wainwright, she has frequently appeared on recordings by her family members, the McGarrigle Sisters and Family and has released several independent EPs. Wainwright released an independent cassette, Ground Floor, in 1997. The following year, her song "Year of the Dragon" appeared on The McGarrigle Hour, an album released by Kate & Anna McGarrigle. Shortly after this recording, Martha began singing backup vocals for her brother, and released the six-song EP Martha Wainwright in 1999.
Her full length self-titled first album was released in 2005, followed in 2008 by I Know You're Married but I've Got Feelings Too, and in 2009 by Sans fusils, ni souliers, à Paris: Martha Wainwright's Piaf Record. The Prosperpina Songfacts reports that her 4th album, Come Home To Mama, was recorded at Sean Lennon's studio in New York City. Speaking about the album, Wainwright said: "This record is a culmination of my life experiences so far. Everything changed for me a couple of years ago and this record is a representation of that and a return to the reason I started writing songs."
Ball And Chain
Martha Wainwright Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you know that it hurts
Ball and chain
Ball and chain
Crossing the street you look so fine
Making up everything that's in my mind
You're my ball and chain
You are the same with your balls and your chains
Bend me over the back of the car seat
Take me down to Easy Street
Ball and chain
Ball and chain
You are the same with your balls and your chains
Oh yeah
Oh yeah
Why does this always happen?
Why does this always happen?
Why?
Why?
Yeah
Yeah, her tits were higher than mine
With a waist that is sugar-fine
I heard she could read and write too
And she's getting a degree in fucking you
Sexual psychology
It's easier than philosophy
It's easier than chemistry
Where is my chemistry?
Why does this always happen?
Oh why does this always happen?
Why?
Why?
Why?
The lyrics to Martha Wainwright's song "Ball & Chain" explore the complexities of a toxic relationship. The repeated phrase "ball and chain" represents the burden and confinement that the singer feels while being with their partner. The opening line, "Got your hand up all in my shirt/And you know that it hurts," suggests that the singer is in physical pain because of their partner's presence. The lyrics "Making up everything that's in my mind" indicate that the singer is projecting their own insecurities onto their partner, while the line "Bend me over the back of the car seat/Take me down to Easy Street" suggests that the physical and emotional tolls of the relationship are leading the singer to seek out relief in any form, even if it may not be healthy.
The second verse seems to be directed at a specific person who is a rival or threat to the singer's relationship. The jealousy and insecurity are palpable in the lines "Yeah, her tits were higher than mine/With a waist that is sugar-fine." The singer goes on to imply that the rival is not only physically desirable but also intelligent and accomplished, with the line "And she's getting a degree in fucking you." The final verse ponders the nature of relationships and why they often end up being exhausting and complicated.
Line by Line Meaning
Got your hand up all in my shirt
You invading my space is causing me pain
And you know that it hurts
You are aware of the pain you are causing me
Ball and chain
You are a constant burden on me
Crossing the street you look so fine
Your appearance is attractive to me
Making up everything that's in my mind
I am imagining things and creating scenarios in my mind about you
You're my ball and chain
You are a heavy burden in my life
You are the same with your balls and your chains
You have your own issues and struggles
Bend me over the back of the car seat
You are taking advantage of me physically
Take me down to Easy Street
You are leading me into a life of pleasure and ease
Why does this always happen?
I am questioning why I keep getting into this situation
Yeah, her tits were higher than mine
I am comparing myself to someone else in terms of physical appearance
With a waist that is sugar-fine
I am admiring someone else's body
I heard she could read and write too
I am envious of someone else's intelligence
And she's getting a degree in fucking you
I am jealous of someone else's relationship with you
Sexual psychology
The study of sexual behavior and mental processes
It's easier than philosophy
It is simpler to understand than philosophy
It's easier than chemistry
It is simpler to understand than chemistry
Where is my chemistry?
I am looking for a connection with someone who understands me
Why does this always happen?
I am still questioning why I can't find the right relationship
Oh why does this always happen?
I am expressing my frustration with my love life
Why?
I am still searching for answers
Why?
I am still searching for answers
Why?
I am still searching for answers
Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jo
Looove this tune, I really enjoy this kinda prog/music compo. Her most recent album Goodnight City was my first of Martha Wainwright. She was touring in my city last summer, nice show, and thanks to YouTubers like you sharing videos I discovered more songs and really, great albums especially her eponymous with Ball&Chain.
RG
This is my absolute favorite Martha song, maybe my fave song of all time...its a close one between this and far away
nneevveerrmmoorree
catchy tune....good composing
tinylittler0b0t
how has this only had 125 views?
Djazia Mostefaoui
its like ( nothing else matter - guns n roses )