The Folk Song Army

[resonant]

Last night, in my sleep, I became obsessed with the various folk songs about a racehorse named Skewball. I dreamed that I demanded information from the flist on whether there was any historical background for Skewball, and that darthfox and ellen_fremedon both came up separately and informed me that the name "Skewball" was actually a corruption of something entirely different in Gaelic.

Which is plausible, actually, though it's not true.

Evidently Skewball was a historical figure, as was "the gray mare" from the song. There's some info at www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/Skewball/Skewball1.html. And 'skewbald' is apparently an archaic word for piebald, whicih explains the odd name.

I don't have a copy of the Peter, Paul, and Mary song that was my first introduction to the story of Skewball (it's the same tune John Lennon used for "So This Is Christmas," if that helps you remember it). Oddly, I also don't have a copy of the closely related bluegrass song, "Molly and Tenbrooks," though it was one of the very first songs I learned to sing as a kid. But to pay you back for tolerating my rambling, I do have June Tabor's "Skewball," thanks to theamusedone.

Comments

[umbo.livejournal.com]

I always thought it was "Stewball," not "Skewball," and a quick Googling shows the PPM lyrics have it that way. Which, if skewball is archaic for piebald, that makes sense, and "stewball" must be a further adaptation of the word/name.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

It's amazing that anybody can trace any of these songs, actually, when the words slip and shift and go out of currency like that.

[aunty_marion]

Piebald is actually black and white, and skewbald brown and white, as far as I recall off the top of my head. (I always have to remember that pies are brown and piebald isn't....)

[springwoof.livejournal.com]

Quite true. Here is an explanation for the use in horses: Definition & History of the Piebald and Skewbald Horse (http://www.theipsa.com/definition.htm).

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

Huh. I love the thing about pies being brown.

[ellen-fremedon.livejournal.com]

Hee! Further proof that darthfox and I are really the same person.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

In my head evidently you are.

[isiscolo.livejournal.com]

But now you've stuck Tom Lehrer's song in my head, you evil person, you.

[malnpudl.livejournal.com]

I was just thinking that same thing. *g*

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

Sorry.

[apetslife.livejournal.com]

"Old Stewball was a racehorse...and I wish he were mine..."

Actually, I DO have a song that references "Stewball" (I'm guessing it's the same horse), called "Just For Love," recorded by Bill Staines. It's not really about ol' Stewball, but it does namecheck him a couple of times. *grin* Really, really good song, and I'd be happy to upload it when I get home if you like.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

Cool -- that would be great. (No rush.)

[nestra.livejournal.com]

His saddle was silver, his mane it was gold...

I have the Peter, Paul, and Mary version, if you'd like it.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

Love to!

Boy, this post is going to result in my having a dozen different racehorse songs. (But nobody's offered Molly and Tenbrooks, alas.)

[nestra.livejournal.com]

Here (http://s62.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1EVP6V4V1MDLX06JHTCUAKW4VP) you go.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

Cool! I'll nab it the next time I'm in broadband heaven. Thanks!

[giglet.livejournal.com]

Skewball! Molly and Tenbrooks! I haven't thought about those songs in forever, it seems like.

Happy sigh.

Now I'm thinking about the Tennessee Stud.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

I love that song! Here's a version (http://s60.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1RPF5D6P6TEEH0P0OGYV6YR66Z) by the Chieftains with Jeff White.

[violentviolethp.livejournal.com]

Here's the Joan Baez version. It's the one with which I'm most familiar. :)

http://s44.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=15XQA02RCI1QC1SHA7NFGAXPZW

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

I know this hardly needs saying about Joan Baez, but my God, what a voice.

Thanks!

[violentviolethp.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome. The amazing thing is, she still sounds incredible. I saw her three times the year before last, and she was unfailingly awesome.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

I have a copy of "Skewball" by Steeleye Span. I can try putting it on YSI tomorrow, if you're interested.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

That would be cool -- thanks!

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

Well, it's the first time I've ever tried to use YSI, but hopefully it's up at http://s52.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=29DJ6WYJRINB40Y42XOC7TXAJX

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

I surprised myself by liking the addition of the electric instruments. They really work.

[tingler.livejournal.com]

Robert Earl Keen has a song called "Stewball" about a race horse. I think it's on "The Live Album". I'd yousendit to you if you like.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

I'd love that! Thanks.