Ball and Chain (Elton John song)

"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.

"Ball & Chain"
Single by Elton John
from the album Jump Up!
B-side	"Where Have All the Good Times Gone" (alternate version)
Released	September 1982
Recorded	September–October 1981
Genre	Rock, acoustic pop
Length	3:27
Label	Geffen (US) Rocket (UK)
Songwriter(s)	Elton John, Gary Osborne
Producer(s)	Chris Thomas
Elton John singles chronology
"Princess" (1982) "Ball & Chain" (1982) "All Quiet on the Western Front" (1982)

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

Chart (1984)	Peak position
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)	14

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