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Ball And Chain

· by Janis Joplin

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Lyrics

Sit tin’ by my win dow,

and I was look in’ out (D7)at the rain.

I said, Sit tin’ by my win dow, ba by,

and I was sit tin’ there look in’ out at the rain.

You know you some thin’ struck me,

clamped on to me just (D7)like a...

just like a ball mis and chain.

I said, oh, oh, by my ba by,

why you wan na do these (D7)ol’ mean things?

I said, Sit oh, by my oh, dow, ba by,

why you wan na do these ol’ mean things at to me?

Be cause you know I love you,

and I’m so sick and (D7)tired a...

of liv in’ in mis er y.

I said, (A7)I said that love’s gon na last with you for ev er,

it’s gon na last.

I said it’s gon na last,

oh, great God Al might y,

for all e ter ni ty,

(G7)Whoa, (D7)yeah.

Ball And Chain by Janis Joplin — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Ball And Chain” by Janis Joplin in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of D at 90 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Ball And Chain" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Ball And Chain"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Ball And Chain" use?: Just 5 chords: A7, C, D, D7, G7. Take it one section at a time.
What other Janis Joplin songs work for kids?: Try "ME AND BOBBY McGEE", "LITTLE GIRL BLUE", "PIECE OF MY HEART". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.