Meaning of "Ball & Chain" by Van Morrison

"Ball & Chain" explores themes of longing for stability and commitment in the midst of constant change and failed relationships. The imagery of a ball and chain symbolizes both the weight and the security that comes with being anchored to someone. The narrator's repetitive cycle of starting and stopping relationships, roaming from place to place, and seeking solace in others only to be disappointed reflects a deeper emotional longing for true connection and companionship. The desire for someone to stand by their side through the storms of life, to be a constant presence, signifies a yearning for stability and love. Despite the narrator's attempts to find comfort and meaning in fleeting connections, ultimately, they seek a partner who will be their rock, their ball and chain, grounding them in a world of uncertainty.