The Songwriters Hall of Fame web site says Andy Razaf and Fats Waller wrote a song called BALL AND CHAIN BLUES; however, I have found several different songs by that title, and I haven't been able to identify which one, if any, is theirs. Here's one: BALL AND CHAIN BLUES As recorded by Peg Leg Howell, 1929. I laid in jail, back turned to the wall. (2x) There's a Georgia woman was the cause of it all. They 'rested me, they carried me 'fore the judge. (2x) Said the judge wouldn't 'low me to say a mumbling word. I asked the judge what might be my fine. (2x) Said the ... jailhouse deep down in the mine. I told the judge I ain't been here before. (2x) If you give me light sentence, I won't come here no more. Mister judge, mister judge, please don't break so harsh. (2x) I've always been a pie-back(?); never had no job. The next day, they carried this poor boy away. (2x) Said the next day, I laid in ball and chain. Stripes on my back, chain … 'round my leg. (2x) This ball and chain 'bout to kill me dead. There were other early recordings of songs titled BALL AND CHAIN BLUES by: Happy Bud Harrison, 1929. Memphis Minnie, 1935. and later recordings by: Josh White Lonnie Johnson Cowboy Copas
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