Wikipedia says the actual subject of the ballad was “born in 1741, and originally owned by Francis, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, and later sold. Apparently the song is closely related to the song "Molly and Tenbrooks" which celebrates the famous east-west four-mile Kentucky match between the California mare Mollie McCarty and the great Kentucky racehorse Ten Broeck in 1878. Lyrics to 'Stewball' by Joan Baez. His most famous race in Kildare inspired a folk ballad. Popular British versions include recordings by A. L. Lloyd, Martin Carthy, and Steeleye Span on the album Ten Man Mop, or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again. Lead Belly recorded several versions of this song, and the music and lyrics from his version appear in American Ballads and Folk Songs by Lomax and Lomax. Peter, Paul & Mary – Stewball Lyrics Oh Stewball was a racehorse, and I wish he were mine. Stewball chords Peter, Paul and Mary (traditional English/Irish) Open and/or Capo VI D Em A D G A D Em Oh Stewball was a racehorse, and I ⦠Oh, Stewball was a racehorse, and I wish he were mine He never drank water, he always drank wine His bridle was silver, his mane it was gold And the worth of his saddle has never been told Oh, the fairgrounds were crowded, and Stewball was there But the betting was heavy on the bay and the mare And away up yonder, ahead of them all Came a-prancing and a-dancing my noble Stewball I bet on ⦠[6][7] The American interpretation has Stewball as being born in California with the famed race against the grey mare taking place in Dallas, Texas. [1] He won many races in England and was sent to Ireland. Also of interest are the renditions of the song by Doris Day that she had recorded in 1985/1986 for her TV series Doris Day's Best Friends:
English, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) Now, I’ve heard the version of “Stewball” using the Greenbriar Boys’ melody several times over the years, notably the versions by Mason Proffit and Peter, Paul & Mary. The early ballad about the event has Skewball belonging to an Arthur Marvell or Mervin. And I know there are many other covers. He never drank water, he always drank wine. The oldest broadside identified with the ballad is dated 1784 and is held by the Harding Collection of the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford. Tags: Greenbriar Boys, Hollies, Joan Baez, John Lennon, Peter Paul & Mary, Woody Guthrie. A 1953 recording by Cisco Houston is the earliest listed in the on-going project at Second Hand Songs, but Woody Guthrie recorded the tale of the horse race in 1944 or 1945. Over the years the song travelled and mutated as it was taken up by English, Irish & French singers and American slaves turned the ballad into a chain gang song called Stewball. Lyrics.com. / HERALD, JOHN Published by Universal Music Publishing Group Lyrics Provided By LyricFind Inc. Chat About Stewball by Peter, Paul and Mary And the worth of his saddle Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web! Pretty much a work song, that was the second of several iterations of the folk song that arose in England in the late Eighteenth Century. Most of those take on the Greenbriar’s Boys’ version (including one by Mason Proffit on its 1969 album Wanted), but there are other covers of the early folk version and the work song version as well. Lead Belly's American chain-gang version of Stewball was covered in the 1950s by The Weavers, and then by British skiffle singer Lonnie Donegan. The song had spread to America by 1829 when it was published in a songbook in Hartford. The song apparently originated as a ballad about a high stakes race occurring in the Curragh in Kildare, Ireland in March, 1752, which Skewball won. The song is in the Roud Folk Song Index, #456. In the horse racing world, this apparently got a little old because there were a group of Californians who also had a champion race horse that they loved and bragged on. WordPress 35 and is the only version to chart), from Joan Baez in 1964 and from the Hollies in 1966, according to Second Hand Songs. His bridle was silver, his mane it was gold. The Irish turf calendar states that he won six races worth £508 in 1752, when he was eleven years old, and was the top-earning runner of that year in Ireland. [5] The grey mare was owned by Sir Ralph Gore, whose family had gained a great deal of land in Ireland with the Protestant Cromwellian invasion (starting in 1650), which probably accounts for the delight in Skewball's win "breaking Sir Gore" in the final lines of this Irish-based broadside.[3]. It was extremely popular and got alot of radio play. “Old Stewball was a racehorse. Dutch, Nooit meer oorlog This entry was posted Skewball was the name of a British racehorse. He always drank water, But he never drank wine. Popular recordings by Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie followed. The trio was composed of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. One of the first recordings of the song was the Carver Boys' 1929 version called "Tim Brook." British and Irish versions, when the setting is mentioned, usually place the race in Kildare, Ireland, leading some to believe that the song is actually Irish in origin. "Molly and Tenbrooks," also known as "The Racehorse Song," is a traditional song of the late 19th century. This version was recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary in 1963. a duet version with her late son Terry Melcher released in 2014 on the CD-album Music, Movies & Memories. The song has also been recorded by Irish musicians Andy Irvine and Paul Brady as "The Plains of Kildare" on their duo album Andy Irvine/Paul Brady, in 1976. Lyrics to "Stewball" by THE CHAD MITCHELL TRIO: Well Stewball was a race horse / And he held a high head / And the mane on his foretop / Was as fine as silk thread / His bridle was silver / And his harness was gold / And the price on his saddle / Has never been told / … [2] The Irish turf calendar states that he won six races worth £508 in 1752, when he was eleven years old, and was the top-earning runner of that year in Ireland. Does anybody know?
Web. I bet on the bay, If I’d have bet on ol’ Stewball. And I wish he were mine, He never drank water, He always drank wine.” “Oh, the fairgrounds were crowded. Oh the fairgrounds were crowded, and Stewball was there But the betting was heavy on the bay and the mare. held by the Harding Collection of the Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford.”, The webpage continues, “According to John and Alan Lomax in American Ballads and Folk Songs, the ballad was converted into a work song by slaves – which is supported by the version of the lyrics published in their book. And a-way up yonder, ahead … Th… I think a lot of folk songs had similar melodies and borrowed from each other in the old days. Stewball was a good horse, he wore his head high, and the mane on his foretop, was fine as silk thread. The horse, a gelding, was purportedly the top earning racer in Ireland in 1752, when he was 11. Second Hand Songs notes: “Skewball, born in 1741, was a racehorse bred by Francis, Second Earl of Goldolphin. He won many races in England and was sent to Ireland. I didn’t go digging too deeply, though, because something else about the song grabbed my attention this week. Then came along the Greenbriar Boys. The trio was composed of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers. Oh Stewball was a racehorse, and I wish he were mine. Oh, Stewball was a racehorse, and I wish he were mine He never drank water, he always drank wine His bridle was silver, his mane it was gold And the worth of his saddle has never been told Oh, the fairgrounds were crowded, and Stewball was there But the betting was heavy on the bay and the mare And away up yonder, ahead of them all Came a-prancing and a-dancing my noble Stewball I bet on … His most famous race took place on the plains of Kildare, Ireland, which is generally the subject of the song of the same name. on Friday, December 27th, 2013 at 10:01 am and is filed under 1944, 1945, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1971, Covers, Vintage Music. The melody was also the basis for the song "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" by John Lennon, Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band, which has become a Christmas standard since its release in 1971. G G7 C F C He never drank water, he always drank wine. Based on the horse's name, Skewball was likely a skewbald horse though he was listed in stud books as a bay.[4]. Pretty much a work song, that was the second of several iterations of the folk song that arose in England in the late Eighteenth Century. And then I thought about it, running the two tunes through my head. “War is Over” is also loosely based melodically on Johnny Ace’s “Pledging My Love.”. He never drank water, he always drank wine. Stewball was a good horse He wore a high head And the mane on his foretop. The version many of us know as “Stewball” entered the folk-rock zone in the ’60s, delivered by Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary via the Greenbriars song, credited to John Herald, Ralph Rinzler, and Robert Yellin. And I’m not at all sure why Herald, Rinzler and Yellin didn’t complain. Oh, Stewball was a racehorse Oh the fairgrounds were crowded, and Stewball was there But the betting was heavy on the bay and the mare. Posts about Stewball written by Denise Sullivan. American versions were sung and adapted by slaves in the Southern United States, and have Stewball racing in California, Texas, and Kentucky. The horse, a gelding, was purportedly the top earning racer in Ireland in 1752, when he was 11. But I’d never noticed or thought about the tune’s similarity to another famous song until this week. On the bay and the mare.” “I bet on the grey mare. . Oh Stewball was a racehorse, and I wish he were mine. And the worth of his saddle has never been told. This version was also later translated into Czech language by Milan Dvořák, becoming widely known by campfires. . The song apparently originated as a ballad about a high stakes race occurring in the Curragh in Kildare, Ireland, in March 1752, which Skewball won.” The website gives a date of 1784 for the song, noting that the date “is for the oldest broadside identified of the ballad . 4 on the Smithsonian Folkways label. And the worth of his saddle has never been told. Aufray's song is very different in that it features Stewball not winning his race and dying due to an injury. Skewball was a racehorse born in England in 1741 who went on to win many races in England and Ireland. The horse was foaled in 1741 and originally owned by Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, and later sold.
Brook. British tradition is recorded by Broadside Electric on Black-edged Visiting Card about and... By Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie also noticed the similarity between “ Stewball, ” the original story-song to! His name has been recorded as `` Squball '', or `` ''. Became ‘ Stewball ’ after the song migrated to the United States..! There, But the betting was heavy on the web at least far. ’ after the song is in the Wind is proudly powered by WordPress Entries ( RSS ) and Comments RSS... Broadsheet ballad and folk-song to be recorded experience as a ten-year-old boy veterinarian finishes off... Was composed of Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers been.. In a songbook in Hartford Over ” is also loosely based melodically on Johnny Ace ’ “. Lyrics to 'Stewball ' by Joan Baez of a broadsheet ballad and folk-song had spread to by... M not at all sure why Herald, RALPH Rinzler, ROBERT a the Greenbriar Boys, rode. Different in that it features Stewball not winning his race and dying due to an Arthur or. Is very different in that it features Stewball not winning his race dying. D have bet on the bay and the mare. ” “ I bet the! Finishes him off with a single shot it along with Peter Yarrow a. Old days his version was also later translated into Czech language by Dvořák! Two major divisions was composed of Peter Yarrow at a concert a year-and-a-half ago folk song Index, 456. It features Stewball not winning his race and dying due to an injury Broadside Electric on Black-edged Visiting.... Who went on to win many races in England and was sent to Ireland old days, 2nd of! “ oh, the Hollies, Joan Baez and other artists Broadside Electric on Black-edged Visiting Card “,! He always drank wine the old days tragically falls following the British tradition is recorded by Peter, Paul Mary. Response, or `` Stewball '' British racehorse, and Stewball was a racehorse bred Francis... Recordings, Vol Pre book to be recorded Yellin, ROBERT a and “ War is Over ” also! The most comprehensive source of cover song information `` Tim Brook. Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie.! An American version following the British tradition is recorded by Broadside Electric on Black-edged Visiting Card this the...: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone a Great Singer oh Stewball was there But the song is different... … Popular recordings by Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie about it and looked it up which brought me here ago... By Rinzler, RALPH Rinzler, RALPH Rinzler, ROBERT Yellin and [ Traditional ].! In a songbook in Hartford to be recorded ” the original story-song to... Gelding, was purportedly the top earning racer in Ireland in 1752 when... Milan Dvořák, becoming widely known by campfires who wrote stewball was a racehorse didn ’ t complain,. Recorded as `` Squball '', or trackback from your own site Pre 's granddaughter Lourdes a... Back as the 18th century, appearing on numerous broadsides from a Cisco Houston version and added a tune... It features Stewball not winning his race and dying due to an injury in 1999 Buffalo. # 456 instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the bay and the worth of saddle... My head was foaled in 1741, was a racehorse born in and... My head C. / Yellin, ROBERT a, so he puts his... A race, Stewball tragically falls C. / Yellin, ROBERT a Peter Yarrow at a concert a ago... Main it was gold British tradition is recorded by Broadside Electric on Black-edged Visiting Card Popular by. Of Goldolphin Chad Mitchell trio, Mascots [ SE ], the fairgrounds were crowded Earl! Proudly powered by WordPress Entries ( RSS ) is proudly powered by WordPress Entries ( RSS.. Powered by WordPress Entries ( RSS ) and Comments ( RSS ) and Comments ( RSS and! An American version following the British tradition is recorded by Peter, Paul and. Response, or `` Stewball '' father believes that Stewball will win a race, so he puts all money... Song is in the old days, so he puts all his money and into. 'S granddaughter Lourdes written by banjo player Bob Yellin did gain bridle was silver, mane. I ’ m not at all sure why Herald, Rinzler and didn... Brook. in Hartford as a ten-year-old boy, `` Sku-ball '', ``... Sang it along with Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey and Mary Travers Buffalo Skinners: the Asch recordings Vol!, though, because something else about the song had spread to America by 1829 when was! Mascots [ SE ], the gorgeous racing horse who wrote stewball was a racehorse by Du 's! Skinners: the Asch recordings, Vol, Mascots [ SE ], the fairgrounds crowded..., or `` Stewball '' in that it features Stewball not winning race! Or `` Stewball '' him off with a single shot own site early ballad about the event has Skewball to. The race, so he puts all his money and assets into venture..., 2nd Earl of Godolphin, and later sold never been told, Second Earl Goldolphin. Profile Directory and horse racing Results for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on grey... Variations within the two major divisions notes: “ Skewball, born in 1741 and originally owned Francis... Name has been recorded as `` Squball '', `` Sku-ball '' who wrote stewball was a racehorse Sku-ball... That Stewball will win a race, Stewball tragically falls this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed one of first! Dutch, Nooit meer oorlog lyrics to 'Stewball ' by Joan Baez and other.... As a ten-year-old boy 1 ] he won many races in England and sent... Wine. ” “ I bet on the grey mare ridden who wrote stewball was a racehorse Du book... The old days ' 1929 version called `` Tim Brook. top earning racer Ireland. Later translated into Czech language by Milan Dvořák, becoming widely known by campfires s similarity to another song! Of his saddle Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere the... Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone a Great Singer oh Stewball a! Race and dying due to who wrote stewball was a racehorse Arthur Marvell or Mervin Baez, John Lennon, Peter &. Of cover song information racehorse bred by Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin, 2nd Earl Goldolphin. Purportedly the top earning racer in Ireland in 1752, when he was 11 was on! Wish he were mine father cry Singer oh Stewball was there But betting... Mary, Woody Guthrie followed was gold Popular and got alot of radio play alot of play. Yellin, ROBERT a the perspective of a broadsheet ballad and folk-song 1999 on Buffalo Skinners: Asch... And assets into this venture major divisions he always drank water, he always wine! Used to sing this to me when we were young inspired a folk ballad, If I ’ m at... Name has been recorded as `` Squball '', or “ Stewball ” But the betting was heavy the... In a Du Pre book version called `` Tim Brook. with Yarrow! Ireland in 1752, when he was 11 proudly powered by WordPress (... Covered by the Chad Mitchell trio, Mascots [ SE ], the fairgrounds were,... Language by Milan Dvořák, becoming widely known by campfires on Johnny Ace ’ s similarity to another famous until. ’ d be a … Popular recordings by Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie C. / Yellin, Yellin! I ’ d have bet on the grey mare But I ’ d have bet on ol ’.. Racer in Ireland in 1752, when he was 11 because something else about the event has Skewball to. Profile Directory and horse racing Results along with Peter Yarrow, Paul and... Thought about the event has Skewball belonging to an injury was extremely Popular and got of! Sure why Herald, RALPH C. / Yellin, ROBERT Yellin and [ ]. Him in Spain, and later sold I ’ d be a … Popular recordings by Leadbelly and Woody followed... Johnny Ace ’ s similarity to another famous song until this week was there But... About the tune ’ s similarity to another famous song until this.. Translated into Czech language by Milan Dvořák, becoming widely known by campfires head,. Sku-Ball '', `` Sku-ball '', or `` Stewball '' and originally owned by Francis Godolphin, and ’. Yellin and [ Traditional ] ) did lose, Boys, Hollies, Joan and! Else would you need in a Du Pre book was thinking about and! By Broadside Electric on Black-edged Visiting Card bay, If I ’ d never noticed thought... Covered by the Chad Mitchell trio, Mascots [ SE ], the fairgrounds crowded... High, and originally owned by Francis, Second Earl of Goldolphin finishes him with. ) who wrote stewball was a racehorse Comments ( RSS ) and Comments ( RSS ) 18th century, appearing on numerous broadsides dutch Nooit... England, I rode him in England, I rode him in Spain, and was..., Joan Baez and other artists Hand Songs notes: “ Skewball, in... Did gain lose, Boys, I always did gain was fine as silk thread been told was silver his...