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

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, this ball and chain Well, I've searched and I searched

To find a 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

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 a half past noon Well, I'll wake there in the mornin'

Or maybe in the county jail

Times are hard gettin' harder

I'm born to lose and destined to fail 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