BALL AND CHAIN BLUES
As sung by Memphis Minnie, 1929.

I'm goin' down by the sea; I want to carry me a ball and chain. (2x)
I want to jump overboard and drown, just because I can't wear my baby's name.

But I'm goin' to get down, doin' like a pig in a fattenin' pen. (2x)
I'm goin' to put him up for safekeepin' until I get back home again.

Just as sho' [as] the Lord sets up in heaven above, (2x)
You know your life ain't worth livin' if you can't be with the one you love.

Well, I know somebody, somebody's been talkin' to you. (2x)
I don't need no tellin'; I been watchin' the way you do.

Here I go [now], with my ball and chain. (2x)
I'm gonna jump in the sea, just because I can't wear my baby's name.
Ain't this a cryin' shame?