The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Lucky Ball And Chain" by the artist "They Might Be Giants"

The song "Lucky Ball And Chain" by They Might Be Giants tells the story of a man bitterly reminiscing about his ex-lover. He ironically calls her his "lucky ball and chain", implying that their relationship was more of a burden than a source of happiness.

The song begins with the narrator describing his ex-girlfriend as short ("five foot nothin'") and tired of his "idle chatter". He acknowledges his childish behavior, clinging to his "pride" and trying to appear indifferent. However, as time passes, he realizes he has lost something precious.

The chorus emphasizes his loneliness and the pain of loss. The narrator "rocks a bar stool" and "drinks for two," attempting to forget and drown his sorrows.

In the second verse, he recalls trying to appear unfazed during the breakup. He "whistled 'Here Comes the Bride'" as his lover walked away, feigning indifference while feeling devastated inside.

The narrator admits his own flaws and acknowledges his potential role in the relationship's demise. He understands that "you can't un-derail a train" and that his attempts to erase the past are futile.

The final verse finds him reminiscing fondly about the time spent with his ex-lover in their "railroad apartment," which felt like "paradise."

The song ends with the repeated line "I lost my lucky ball and chain," now carrying a sense of genuine sadness and regret rather than irony.