Ball And Chain
The Forces of Evil Lyrics
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I got something that you all should hear.
All lies, all the lies she told to me
Make a little part of history.
I was always taught that boy meets girl,
Fall in love get married and forget the world.
Nine months later, the sweet baby's on the way.
Kiss 'em on the check and life's ok.
To listen to conflicting points of view.
It's a crazy world to live alone,
A ball and chain I call my own
People listen up don't stand to close
I got something that you all should know
Holy Matrimony is not for me.
Rather die alone in misery.
I was always taught that boy meets girl,
Fall in love get married and forget the world.
Nine months later, the sweet baby's on the way.
Isn't that what they used to say?
With a girl that you knew,
And the bonds that we grew.
Turned into a ball and chain.
I step into the great unknown,
A ball and chain I call my own.
Crazy world to live alone
With a girl that you knew,
And the bonds that we grew,
Turned into a ball and chain.
I step into the great unknown,
With a ball and chain I call my own.
Because marriage doesn't work in the world today
It's an institution that is in decay.
And if I have love I wish to portray,
I will surely find another way.
Because I was always taught boy meets girl,
Fall in love get married and forget the world.
Nine months later the sweet baby's on the way,
Kiss 'em on the check and life's ok.
I don't feel no pain, I don't have no time
To listen to conflicting points of view
I step into the great unknown,
With a ball and chain I call my own
The Forces of Evil’s song ‘Ball and Chain’ explores the idea that the traditional institution of marriage has become a restrictive and confining force in modern society. The song begins with a warning for the listener to pay attention as the singer has something important to say. He explains that he has been lied to by the woman he loved and that her lies have made a mark on history. He then expresses his disillusionment with the idea of marriage, which he had been taught to believe in since childhood. He feels that it is a mistake and a ball and chain that prevents him from living his life freely.
In the second verse, the singer continues his critique of marriage, stating that it is not for him and that he would rather be alone than in a miserable relationship. He acknowledges that he was taught to believe in the traditional path of love and marriage, but he no longer feels that it applies to him. He looks at the bonds that grew between him and his partner, which have turned into a ball and chain that holds him back. The bridge of the song emphasizes the singer's views on marriage and how it is an institution in decay, and he no longer sees it as an option for himself. The song ends with the chorus repeating the idea that the traditional path of love, marriage, and children may have worked in the past, but it is no longer a viable option for him.
Line by Line Meaning
People listen up don't stand too near
I have something to share that might disturb you, so please be cautious.
I got something that you all should hear
I have something important to say that affects everyone here.
All lies, all the lies she told to me
The person I trusted and loved the most deceived me with constant falsehoods.
Make a little part of history
This betrayal marks a significant event in my life that I won't forget.
I was always taught that boy meets girl, Fall in love get married and forget the world
Society has conditioned me to believe in a traditional love story with a happy ending.
Nine months later, the sweet baby's on the way
The result of this love story is the birth of a child, which is seen as a blessing.
Kiss 'em on the che[c]k and life's okay
Caring for this new life brings joy and a sense of fulfillment.
I don't feel, no pain. I don't have, no time, To listen to conflicting points of view
I choose to ignore differing opinions and feelings because it is easier to not feel anything at all.
It's a crazy world to live alone, A ball and chain I call my own
Being alone in a world that expects otherwise feels overwhelming and like a weight I cannot escape.
People listen up don't stand too close
I have something personal to confess that may create discomfort, so please give me some space.
I got something that you all should know
I need to reveal something that affects everyone around me.
Holy Matrimony is not for me
Marriage does not align with my personal values and desires.
Rather die alone in misery
I would rather face loneliness than be trapped in a situation that makes me miserable.
Isn't that what they used to say
The societal expectation to get married and have children is no longer as prevalent as it once was.
With a girl that you knew, And the bonds that we grew, Turned into a ball and chain
The love and connection I once had with my partner has become a burden that I cannot escape.
I step into the great unknown, A ball and chain I call my own
I am bravely facing an uncertain future while carrying the weight of my personal struggles.
Because marriage doesn't work in the world today, It's an institution that is in decay
I believe that marriage as a social institution has become obsolete and is losing its relevance.
And if I have love I wish to portray, I will surely find another way
Even though I reject traditional marriage, I am still open to finding a different way to express and share love.
Contributed by Aubrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joe Carlson
This band is made of the lead singer and 2 other members of Reel Big Fish, if you could not tell. Brad actually used to kick it with the RBF back in the day.
Joe Carlson
@John Smarr I would read the biography of Brad - Crazy Fool. There's also old concert flyers, showing No Doubt, Sublime and RBF playing venues together. RBF some times plays Garden Grove live, you can find that on youtube.
John Smarr
really ? I'm a HUGE RBF fan and Sublime is third wave ska mecca so I'd love to here some about that.
know any stories, anecdotes or anything?
Joe Carlson
@SkaForKids I think @SmokenShoot has Forces of Evil - Ball and Chain confused with Ballyhoo! 40 oz for freedom.
Joe Carlson
@SmokenShoot watch your fuckin mouth, there's kids on here GOD FUCKING DAMN IT!
Joe Carlson
@SmokenShoot Actually, no you are wrong. Forces of Evil is 2 parts RBF. Know your ska bro.
goteamben
Yup, Aaron Barrett of RBF fronted The Forces of Evil too. Really like this song but tbf i don't know the original
sragain17
CANT BE FOUND why is this so hidden
Dank Jenkins
they did the end good
spikyguy22
gunna have to say they shouldnt have made this song sound so kidish and is that the singer of reel big fish i hear