The band as of recent has had somewhat of a shaky lineup.
The band formed under the original lineup of Jonathon Cooper on bass, Josh White on guitar, Josh Gross on guitar, Jonathon Webster on drums, and Jon Green on vocals. This lineup recorded the Exclamationaire album in 2005. In 2006 Josh Gross left and the band recorded Shock Value as a 4-piece with White doing both guitar tracks. Shortly after the release of this album another guitarist was added with no information given other than his name being Kyle Snellenberger. In the start of 2007 Kyle, Josh White, and Jonathon Webster parted from the band, and thus Josh Fife (Jon Green's younger brother) was brought on board as guitarist. New Orleans based Michael Watson replaced Webster, and Florida based Jake Campbell had been pulled in on second guitar.
The band moved to Tampa Bay, Florida in Fall 2007 with plans to write a new album. The group is still active as of 2008.
Current members
* Jon Green - vocals
* Josh Fife - guitar
* Jake Campbell - guitar
* Jonathon Cooper - bass
* Michael "Milky" Watson - drums
Ball And Chain
Twelve Gauge Valentine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
it's tearing me down.. it's holding me back..
I'd hope that real killers put it all over the line
let's take things a little further, yeah! we're driving blind
clear out the courtyard, call the guards back out
clear out the courtyard, we'll bring the king to his knees
I know this is what you've wanted
I know this is what you've been dying for
prepare yourself,(killer) cause you're chasing ghost
the worst is yet,(killer) and the damage is done
don't change your tune for the radio
we're driving through cause it's all we know
what could we get
what could you give
we were only stalling..
yeah we were only stalling
I.. still can't see..
what.. we.. have done wrong here..
sit alone and creep
it was just a dream
and it's been to long
this time we disappear
we're scared to death
but, we can't back down
let's take the plunge
it don't look so deep
I'd hope that real killers put it all over the line
let's take things a little further, yeah! we're driving blind
clear out the courtyard, I'll call the guards back out
clear out the courtyard, let's bring the king to his knees
I know this is what you've wanted
The song "Ball and Chain" by Twelve Gauge Valentine is a reflection on being held back by life's struggles, represented by the metaphorical "ball and chain." The first two lines of the song set the tone, describing the weight of this burden as tearing the singer down and holding them back. Despite this, the lyrics express a desire to push past these limitations and take risks, even if it means "driving blind." The chorus repeats the phrase "clear out the courtyard, call the guards back out" as a call to action, suggesting that the singer is ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead and face them head-on.
The second verse introduces the concept of "real killers" who are unafraid to put it all on the line and take things further. The lyrics seem to suggest that the singer considers themselves among this group of daring individuals and is ready to face whatever comes their way. However, the phrase "we were only stalling" at the end of the second chorus suggests that there is still some hesitation and fear holding them back.
The final verse expresses a sense of resignation and acceptance of their fate, with the singer acknowledging that they "can't back down" despite their fear. The repeated line "I know this is what you've wanted" suggests that they have some external pressure or expectation to live up to, driving them to take risks and face their fears.
Line by Line Meaning
the ball and chain.. it's all we've got..
Our heavy burdens are our only possessions
it's tearing me down.. it's holding me back..
Our burdens are weighing us down and impeding progress
I'd hope that real killers put it all over the line
I hope brave and daring individuals take risks and push boundaries
let's take things a little further, yeah! we're driving blind
Let's be bold and reckless and see where it takes us
clear out the courtyard, call the guards back out
Make way for us to challenge authority and power
clear out the courtyard, we'll bring the king to his knees
We will overthrow those who hold power over us
I know this is what you've wanted
I know you have been yearning for this
prepare yourself,(killer) cause you're chasing ghost
Be ready for a difficult and potentially fruitless pursuit
the worst is yet,(killer) and the damage is done
Things will only get worse and the harm is already done
don't change your tune for the radio
Don't conform to mainstream expectations and norms
we're driving through cause it's all we know
We keep going forward because we have nothing else to do
what could we get
What do we have to gain?
what could you give
What are you willing to offer?
we were only stalling..
We were only delaying the inevitable
yeah we were only stalling
Yes, we were delaying the inevitable
I.. still can't see..
I still don't understand
what.. we.. have done wrong here..
What have we done incorrectly here?
sit alone and creep
Be still and creep silently
it was just a dream
It was just a figment of our imagination
and it's been to long
And it has been going on for too long
this time we disappear
This time we will vanish
we're scared to death
We're terrified
but, we can't back down
But we cannot relent
let's take the plunge
Let's take a risk
it don't look so deep
It doesn't look too dangerous
Contributed by Colin N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Z33 GD3
I’ve been looking for this song for 12 years. Jesus
j bru
Me and a friend of mine threw down at one of 12 gauges shows in Monroe back in the day and it was a blast. The band was really nice to us after the show and thanked us for "the show" after we caused a scene at Fleur de lis that night.
flagnapper Smith
Ey fool we were glad to have u. Not in tgv, but I for sure ran that show for someone else who was supposed to
Piccolo
Funroe represent
Lucas Mantovani
2016 and still blasting this song on my speakers
Lucas Mantovani
update: 2020 and still blasting it
jobywankinoby
I also from Bastrop born and raised :-) I've lived in Germany now for the past 20 years and missed out on these guys. Read about em on wikipedia. Too bad they are no longer together. Really cool fuckin sound. And who gives a fat rat's ass what religion they are when their music is so friggen awesome?
Sean H
Everyone comparing the m to ETID, yeah they sound similar at times but if you start comparing bands and saying one sounds better than the other, of course the one thats not as popular isnt going to be "as good". Just dont compare them and take them for what they are. I love me some ETID but I also can get down to some TGV, they both are sick in my book
Jeremey Cline
it sounds like near identical to every time i die
dubsterz
not too bad.... they need to dub the audio better , but all in all there really good love it !