Big Mama Thornton

Willie Mae Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984), better known as Big Mama Thornton because of her height (nearly 6 feet) and weight (200 pounds), was an American singer and songwriter of the blues and R&B.

Big Mama Thornton

Quotes

"Ball and Chain" (1968)

Written, recorded and released by Thornton herself, included in a 1968 album of the same name.

• Sittin' down by my window,
  Honey, lookin' out at the rain.
  Lord, Lord, Lord, sittin' down by my window,
  Baby, lookin' out at the rain.
  Somethin' came along, grabbed a hold of me,
  And it felt just like a ball and chain.
  Honey, that's exactly what it felt like,
  Honey, just dragging me down.

• Love's got a hold on me, baby,
  Feels just like a ball and chain.
  Now, love's just draggin' me down, baby, yeah,
  Feels like a ball and chain.
  I hope there's someone out there who could tell me
  Why the man I love wanna leave me in so much pain.
  Yeah, maybe, maybe you could help me, come on, help me!