Ball and Chain (Big Mama Thornton song)

"Ball and Chain Part 1"
Single by Big Mama Thornton
from the album Ball and Chain
B-side	"Wade in the Water"
Released	1968 (1968)
Genre	Blues
Length	2:25
Label	Arhoolie
Songwriter(s)	Willie Mae Thornton a.k.a. Big Mama Thornton

"Ball and Chain" (also "Ball 'n' Chain" or "Ball & Chain") is a blues song written and recorded by American blues artist Big Mama Thornton. Although her recording did not appear on the record charts, the song has become one of Thornton's best-known, largely due to performances and recordings by Janis Joplin.