Ball & Chain
XTC · Coat Of Many Cupboards [2002]
Save us from the ball and chain
Save us from the ball and chain, oh yeah
The diggers and the tower cranes
The diggers and the tower cranes
Don't want demolition
Don't want your compensation
It's not just bricks and mortar
We are lambs to slaughter
Save us from the ball and chain
Save us from the ball and chain
Save us from the ball and chain, oh yeah
The diggers and the tower cranes
The diggers and the tower cranes
Must we live in fear
From those who shed no tears?
Our one and only shelter
Your games, your helter skelter
Motorways and office blocks
They're standing on the spot where stood a home
Crushing on the memories of people
Who have since turned to stone, ah
They've turned to stone, ah, they've turned to stone
Save us from the ball and chain
Save us from the ball and chain
Save us from the ball and chain, oh yeah
The diggers and the tower cranes
The diggers and the tower cranes
Ball & Chain
Ball & Chain stands as a distinctive song in XTC's expansive discography, appearing on the 2002 compilation Coat Of Many Cupboards. This collection highlights the band's enduring legacy within the English new wave and alternative rock scenes, showcasing their signature blend of melodic intricacy and lyrical wit. The track reflects the sophisticated songwriting that defined the group's later years, offering a polished sound that resonates with longtime fans and newcomers alike. As part of a broader catalogue that spans decades of innovation, the song exemplifies the band's ability to craft memorable melodies while maintaining their unique artistic identity. Listeners exploring this work will find a recording that captures the essence of XTC's creative evolution, contributing to their rich body of work in the rock genre.