Big Mama Thornton

Willie Mae Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984), better known as Big Mama Thornton because of her height (nearly 6 feet) and weight (200 pounds), was an American singer and songwriter of the blues and R&B.

"Ball and Chain" (1968)

 * Written, recorded and released by Thornton herself, included in a 1968 album of the same name.


 * Sittin' down by my window, Honey, lookin' out at the rain. Lord, Lord, Lord, sittin' down by my window, Baby, lookin' out at the rain. Somethin' came along, grabbed a hold of me, And it felt just like a ball and chain. Honey, that's exactly what it felt like, Honey, just dragging me down.


 * Love's got a hold on me, baby, Feels just like a ball and chain. Now, love's just draggin' me down, baby, yeah, Feels like a ball and chain. I hope there's someone out there who could tell me Why the man I love wanna leave me in so much pain. Yeah, maybe, maybe you could help me, come on, help me!