"Ball & Chain" is a song by English musician Elton John with lyrics by Gary Osborne. It is the third track on his 1982 album Jump Up! and was released as a single in the United States in September that year. It features Pete Townshend of The Who on acoustic guitar. Osborne added some French words into the song.
In 1985, Country music artist Kathy Mattea covered the song on her second album From My Heart.
Musical structure
The song opens with Townshend's percussive guitar playing, and subtle piano from Elton. The song then builds to a climactic finish, placing the final verse one octave higher.
Release
It was released in the US in September 1982 without charting and was performed by John during the 1982 leg of his Jump Up Tour.
Billboard called it "plain good fun, with a buoyant rhythm guitar and crisp production."
Music video
A promotional video was made for this song featuring John singing the song without playing piano with his classic band performing in a white background.
Charts
Personnel
Elton John – vocals, acoustic piano
James Newton Howard – synthesizers
Pete Townshend – acoustic guitar
Richie Zito – electric guitar
Dee Murray – bass
Jeff Porcaro – drums
Steve Holly – tambourine
References
Elton John songs
1982 songs
1982 singles
Songs with music by Elton John
Songs with lyrics by Gary Osborne
Song recordings produced by Chris Thomas (record producer) Geffen Records singles