Im 46 years old. Ive been listening to Social Distortion for over 30 years, since I was 14 years old. Now, my 13 year old daughter is listening to them. I love this band. Their sound is timeless.

Whenever something goes wrong in my life, I always end up here listening to this video.

First time I heard this song was on the radio, Mike was doing a studio session for the station. It was slow and acoustic and sad and I was neck deep in heroin addiction, working for my dad, with the guilt of knowing the entirety of the money he was gonna hand me at the end of the day would be spent in Camden in a couple hours. I'd already been all over the country trying to start new in different places but like Mike says, wherever I went I always found myself (and my addiction) waiting for me in the eyes of some seedy looking someone walking down the road sooner than later. Anyway, I heard this song and was frozen to the spot listening to the words. It was one of a few moments in my life that would act as catalysts to get my shit together. It has been a a ten year journey and I'm still not where, in my eyes, I think I should be in life. But I don't go to sleep wondering if I'll wake up, and I don't wake up surprised at having done so anymore. I don't start sweating at the sight of a light paycheck wondering if my whole life is gonna come crashing down before the next one comes in. But most importantly, I know I will be alright. I know I'll make it out the other side in one piece. And that's more than I could say for the better part of a decade. Thank you Mike, for the wake up call.

Social D helped save my life. Mike Ness is like a dirty, foulmouthed angel..

2020 and still love this song!

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 25 years ago. This songs hits home, in a big way..........

Didn't think anything could improve that song, until I heard it with accordian. Wow.

the best band ever, no discussions at all, they have never lost it and they probably have the biggest following that nobody really knows about and thats what is incredible

Love that accordion. Brilliant addition to this song.

51 here, saw em in 82 for the first time, then again at different stages, but when I saw em last week 8/4 in Philly, in was like I was that young kid again with the ripped jeans, engineer boots, Mohawk & GBH patch on, no other band has ever taken me back like that!!!!!! Long Live that band & what it means to each of us, no matter our age, sex, color or creed

This song has fit my life way too many times over the past 25+ years.

I listen to the acoustic version of this , king of fools , and angels wings on my way to work every day and have for like two years now, who else agrees that this band never gets old!

Reading the comment section while listening to the song is kinda incredible. The mood through the comments is somber and insightful. Really a beautiful thing to see.

The accordion adds another depth to this song. I love it!

Greatest band ever, wish they would think about retooling some of their songs like this and how they have been touring recently into a new album. That would be awesome! Long live Social D!

I've lived one hell of a life... From cowboy to biker,and saint to sinner.. This song comes as close to telling the story of my life as any I have ever heard.. I can't imagine that there are not thousands out there who feel the same. Thanks Mike Ness and Social D

I’m 55 years old and have loved Mike and company since I was 17 or 18. Doing the same. Turning my kids onto SxDx and they are grooving. I’m digging the acoustic stuff but my kids (14 and 16) love the original recordings.

When I went to their show last year at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth this song had me in my feels. Been a rough few years for me, financial struggles and then my Dad passed away. Still been dealing with BS and financial shit but I get up everyday and keep going.

I recently started a list of songs that brings tears to my eyes. I'm gonna add this song to the list. The original recorded version (or even any live version) doesn't hit nearly as close to the heart as this super scaled down stripped down version. Listening to the accordion backing, this song sounds like it might've been an American roots song written in the 18th or 19th centuries.

That kind of song that touch you deep in your soul... An Anthem from all my life in 18 years.

"Ball And Chain" Well it's been ten years and a thousand tears And look at the mess I'm in A broken nose and a broken heart, An empty bottle of gin Well I sit and I pray In my broken down Chevrolet While I'm singin' to myself There's got to be another way [Chorus:] Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain Well I'm lonely and I'm tired And I can't take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away Take away this ball and chain Well I've searched and I've searched To find the perfect life A brand new car and a brand new suit I even got me a little wife But wherever I have gone I was sure to find myself there You can run all your life But not go anywhere [Chorus:] Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain Well I'm sick and I'm tired And I can't take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away Take away this ball and chain Well I'll pass the bar on the way To my dingy hotel room I spent all my money I've been drinkin' since half past noon Well I'll wake there in the mornin' Or maybe in the county jail Times are hard getting harder I'm born to lose and destined to fail [Chorus:] Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain Well I'm lonely and I'm tired And I can't take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away Take away this ball and chain

My now four year old son has been listening since he flopped on the table. Reach for the sky to be exact. I took him last month to his first Social D concert, I tear’d up watching him rock out and sing the words. He even got to meet Johnny Two bags after the show. I’m 45 and a retired Marine now, my first concert was 1993 in Hawaii. I’ve now been to 11 concerts and will continue as long as they keep rocking. Mike Ness has to be one of the most underrated artists. If they only paid attention they would all see what they’re missing out on. The band gets better with age. I could talk for hours about this band.

Last song I shared with my friend Mike Barak ! RIP " DUDE "

I remember when i was highschool , it was 13 years ago , i was so poor , after schooltime over , i went to the market to helped people there and they gave me 5$ , it was really hard , we just got leftover food from our neighboor , every saturday night with all my Friends we used to played this songs , smoked ganja with fckin cheap local alcohol , that made me happier tho , now my life has changed at least i could get better much much better than before and this song has saved my life , i love my mom , my family and my friends , thank you social d' from Indonesia 👍

The accordion solo breaks my heart

I'm a huge fan of SxDx and have never heard this version before and I'm Loving it I so have related to this song over the years

I cried... This is such a sweet song :')

Social Distortion songs are so therapeutic for me and I'm not even depressed nor do I carry a lot of stress!

OMG!!! The fact that they have an Acordian playing blows my mind! I have loved them since I first heard them and this just makes them cooler in my book because fuck it they don't care if you think they got soft!!!

I'm 19 years old and I've recently failed most of my my classes. I was forced to pick up a second job to pay off my debts and also for a roof to live under. On my first day to my new job, I got into a car crash. Even though it was the other drivers fault, I still felt awful about it because it wasn't my car to begin with and it wasn't really good to be an hour late to the first day of your job. Even though the crash was almost a month ago, my mental state has been gradually deteriorating and I grow more insane by the day. I can hardly even drive to work without having a mental breakdown. I listen to this song and it brings a tear to my eye. Not only is this acoustic rendition absolutely beautiful, but it really speaks to me about being too scared to die but having no real desire to live because you messed up everything so bad and most of it was within your control, be it alcoholism like the song suggests or immaturity in my case

Accordion! Yes! You guys still rock. I'm 42. Aging gracefully with ya!

Such a beautiful song. God bless u, Ness❤

I love the original one of my favorite songs. This is haunting and beautiful.

Ahh love how the acoustic sounds for this song.

I haven't listened to social distortion since high school, ten years and a thousand tears ago(literally). Story of my life came on the radio this morning in the work truck and was just so much more relatable now then back then. Dropped out to work to support myself, dealt with addiction and got sober dad got sick and took care of him till he passed about a year ago. Moved back home to mom's, been trying to figure out a better life and direction. Not really in a bad place mentally, but kind of lost.

This was my wedding song and my divorce song.

one of the best songs ever... i needed this when i first heard it in South Lake Tahoe 2001...

It's been said; that one has NEVER sought out Social Distortion's music.... you reach a low point in your life & Social Distortion FINDS you. Lifts you up thru the darkness.

one of the best versions of this song I've ever heard! Thank you, S.D.

love this song

This song has saved me so many times. I remember when my girl of 4 years broke up w/ me a week before my birthday and I went to see a local band play the day of my birthday. I remember feeling super depressed when all of a sudden they started playing this song. I got goosebumps and broke down and started crying. I seriously wish I could thank Mike for his music as it's so much a part of my life now.

i like the fact that i get to grow old with one of my favorite bands. i think Social D sounds pretty badass as a lounge band. Keep it up Mike.

It's been 9 years since i watched this video and still watching till now !

I am a washed up 45 year old single lad who has lost two wives and have kids that I blew it with them growing up due to drug addiction . Got sober had dam near 7 years and I threw it all away back in the shit again trying to break the sob ball and chain once again and or die doing it. Much love all I want to shed the light when they say one day at a time? Or live in the moment? They mean it cause it’s a no brainer never worry about the past and who cares about next week or even tomorrow.

Riko Vernertti RIP I now understand all you told me about the demons and I love you south and miss you always.

Talent and magic it’s like Mike knows my mind and my heart../ love every toon this man has written

Only a true punk rock band with a heavy-lyrics song can make fierce a soft version like this.

SENT WITH A LOT OF LOVE.

Been a big fan for over 30 yrs now

only those people, who don't unterstand anything of music don't like Social Distortion! You are one of them!

@Pale Raven Hearth That’s what I’m talking about! Thank you for posting this ✌️💜

What a great song and stripped down and pure classic rock

Beautiful rendition

Still the greatest rock and roll band of all time I don't give a shit what anyone says.....

Love this version!!!!

This song is just more relevant to my life today, than 6 yrs ago when I was listening to this song on saints row 3 for fun.

Damn. Late night 2020. This always puts me thru. Just awesome !!

Still speaks, and with even more clarity. Thanks fellas

They should make an all acoustic album, this is great

Here's another band that has a vocal harmony that pushes the simplicity of the song to the next level.

I won’t say this is the greatest song ever, but it is the greatest to use the word “dingy”.

Simply brilliant...

Bin Ten years & 1000 tears and look at the mess im in!!!!! Love this song!

I love that in the original it was a broken down Chevrolet but every recording after he says the year of the car. It gives me hope.

Best cover of this song I've found,!

I saw Social Distortion in Baltimore once and the place was packed!

Well it's been ten years, and a thousand tears And look at the mess I'm in A broken nose and a broken heart, An empty bottle of gin Well I sit and I pray In my broken down Chevrolet While I'm singin' to myself There's got to be another way Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain I'm lonely and I'm tired And I can't take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain Well I've searched and I've searched To find the perfect life- A brand new car and a brand new suit I even got me a little wife But wherever I have gone I was sure to find myself there You can run all your life But not go anywhere Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain I'm lonely and I'm tired And I can't take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain Well I'll pass the bar on the way To my dingy hotel room I spent all my money Been drinkin' since a half past noon I'll wake there in the mornin' Or maybe in the county jail Times are hard getting harder I'm born to lose and destined to fail Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain I'm lonely and I'm tired And I can't take any more pain Take away, take away Never to return again Take away, take away Take away this ball and chain

still the greatest Punk Rock band of all time

so awesome!!!! love mike acoustic!!!

wow. that sounded so good. i love their songs electric, but this acoustic version still fits well with ness’ voice. thanks for posting this.

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!

Mike Ness is a legend. Leaves me speechless.

Love this band

My favorite. Thx

story of my life!!

It's been 30 years since my first SxDx shows

2021 and still listening.

It's great every Social D song can be turned into a briljant acoustic song

2021 and sure..

His voice has lived :)

great version of a "classic" tune! mike rules!! Rock on Mr Ness!

love it!!

The nicest accordion,I have ever seen!

No band more worth listening to in bad times, especially if you are drinking alone

Amazing.

Social D acoustics are great they really should make an album. Theres more acoustics out here , Theyre all great.

Mike Ness saved my life!

Aku suka baget nih lagu

Time to put SD back in my re-occurring playlist… 😢

Old school punker here ..... NiCe addition with the accordian !!!!

@MrShoopdawhoop58 Mike is into hot rods and classic cars, so when he mentions a date of a car, its because he actually owns one. he changes it almost every time he sings this song.

He sounds like a sober Shane McGowan, maybe they should do Pogues covers

Silence of the lambs playing accordion was a treat.

The words mean just as much in 2021 then when i first heard em in the 80s

He wasn't saying that no one likes Social Distortion, he was saying that there's no other band like Social Distortion.

Seems you're right. Good to know. Thanks. Saw it by his eye and thought it was tears. We took the tears seriously when I was young and I was worried about Mike's safety.

This song is very therapeutic for me.

Epic, I understand this song, life choices🤔

I LOVE SD....GREAT

My god, that voice....