Information AboutSkewball |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SKEWBALL | |
| folk songs | |
| horse racing | |
| joan baez songs | |
| racehorses | |
|
SONGS There are two major different versions of the ballad, generally titled either "Skewball" or "Stewball"; the latter is more popular in America. And there are multiple variations within the two major divisions. Versions date at least as far back as the 18th century, appearing on numerous Broadsides . In both songs the title horse is the underdog in the race, up against a favored grey mare (usually called either "Griselda" or "Molly"), and although in most versions of Stewball the winning horse triumphs due to the stumbling of the lead horse, Skewball wins simply by being the faster horse in the end. Probably the most significant lyrical difference in the songs is the conversation Skewball has with his jockey, while Stewball behaves more like a typical horse and does not speak. American versions were sung and adapted by slaves in the Southern United States, and have Stewball racing in California , Texas , and Kentucky . British versions, when the setting is mentioned, often place the race in Kildare , Ireland , leading to some believe that the song is actually Irish in origin. The fact that these accounts still imply that the horse's nationality as English, and it celebrates a victory over a horse that is presumably Irish, makes it likely the song is originally English, and its setting in Ireland is due to it being the site of Skewball's most famous race. RECORDINGS A notable version of "Stewball" was recorded by , Martin Carthy , and Steeleye Span on the album '' Ten Man Mop, Or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again ''. EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|