Stewball
Joan Baez · Joan Baez/5 [1964]
Stewball was a good horse, he wore his head high
And the mane on his fore top was fine as silk thread
I rode him in England, I rode him in Spain
And I never did lose, boys, I always did gain
So come all you gamblers, wherever you are
And don't bet your money on that little gray mare
Most likely she'll stumble, most likely she'll fall
But never you'll lose, boys, on my noble Stewball
As they were a-riding, 'bout halfway round
That grey mare - she stumbled, and fell on the ground
And way out yonder, ahead of them all
Came a-prancing and a-dancing, my noble Stewball
Stewball was a race horse, and by the day he was mine
He never drank water, he always drank wine
And the mane on his fore top was fine as silk thread
I rode him in England, I rode him in Spain
And I never did lose, boys, I always did gain
So come all you gamblers, wherever you are
And don't bet your money on that little gray mare
Most likely she'll stumble, most likely she'll fall
But never you'll lose, boys, on my noble Stewball
As they were a-riding, 'bout halfway round
That grey mare - she stumbled, and fell on the ground
And way out yonder, ahead of them all
Came a-prancing and a-dancing, my noble Stewball
Stewball was a race horse, and by the day he was mine
He never drank water, he always drank wine
Stewball
Joan Baez's "Stewball" appears on her 1964 album *Joan Baez/5*, a recording that captures her signature folk style of the mid-1960s. The song reflects Baez's deep engagement with social issues and her role as a prominent figure in the American folk revival. Her voice, characterized by its clarity and emotional resonance, delivers a message of hope and resilience that resonated with audiences during a period of significant cultural change. As part of her extensive discography, this track exemplifies her commitment to using music as a vehicle for storytelling and advocacy, maintaining a connection to the grassroots movements of her era while establishing her enduring legacy in the genre.