if i had my way i would not be here
not for one day, my leaving is clear
i´ve had my share of heartache and pain
for happiness i´m searching in vain
i´ve got to get rid of my ball and chain

for all of my life, the times they´ve been bad
and hard luck and strife, they´re all i´ve ever had

i´ve had my share of heartache and pain
for happiness i´m searching in vain
i´ve got to get rid of my ball and chain

i´ve just got to be free
god in heaven, help me

if i had my way i would not, would not be here
no, not for one day, my leaving, my leaving is clear

i´ve had my share of heartache and pain
for happiness i´m searching in vain
i´ve got to get rid of my ball and chain
help me!
i´ve had my share of heartache and pain
for happiness i´m searching in vain
i´ve got to get rid of my ball and chain!