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