Story Behind The Song
Hart wrote this song while in the shower, getting ready to leave for her former day job. It was literally a prayer that she could stop working so many hours at things which didn't help her career - and start focusing on music. The beautiful part is - it
Song Description
Drawing on the long tradition of field hollers and gospel hymns, "Ball & Chain" is both a lament and an assertion of faith.
| Song Length |
5:17 |
Genre |
Country - Alternative, Country - Bluegrass |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Subject |
Prayer, Heaven |
Language |
English |
Lyrics
BALL & CHAIN (c) Hart, Woodward, 2004, Betty Troublesome Music (ASCAP)
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Gonna trade this hammer for a walkin' cane.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Milk 'n honey over in the glory land.
Jesus, won't you guide me by my hand.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
"Yes, sir, no sir," a working man's refrain.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Jesus, Jesus, I'm suffering in sin.
Lord, my soul's as blistered as my skin.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Sun gonna shine, moon gonna wax and wane.
Lord, lay down, lay down my ball & chain.
Holy whirlwind rode Elijah high
Fly me home to meet him by and by.