Ball And Chain

by Janis Joplin
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How to Play This Song

Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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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 — Simple Sheet Music

9 people have learned this song

"Ball And Chain" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of D, 90 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “Ball And Chain”

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "Ball And Chain"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "Ball And Chain" by Janis Joplin played in?
Ball And Chain is arranged in the key of D on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "Ball And Chain"?
The arrangement plays at 90 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "Ball And Chain" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "Ball And Chain"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "Ball And Chain"?
"Ball And Chain" was originally performed by Janis Joplin. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What chords are used in "Ball And Chain"?
This arrangement uses 5 chords: A7, C, D, D7, G7.
What other songs by Janis Joplin can I play here?
Try "ME AND BOBBY McGEE", "LITTLE GIRL BLUE", "PIECE OF MY HEART". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "Ball And Chain". Key of D, 90 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.