Ball And Chain
Martha Wainwright Lyrics


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Got your hand up all in my shirt
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
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?

Overall Meaning

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.
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Comments from YouTube:

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 )