The Hollies's song "Stewball" is a retelling of an old folk ballad that tells the story of a racehorse named Stewball. The narrator of the song wishes that he could own Stewball, who is described as a magnificent animal with silver bridle and golden mane. Although Stewball is known for his love of wine over water, his prowess as a racer is unmatched. The song's chorus describes a race where Stewball takes the lead and wins against the odds. The narrator mentions that if he had bet on Stewball, he would have "been a free man today," indicating he would have won a significant amount of money. However, the betting was heavy on the other horses, the bay and the mare, who were also racing that day. The song ends with a verse that speaks to the feelings of loneliness and longing for home, but in the end, it is the story of the great racehorse Stewball that is emphasized. "Stewball" is a classic folk song that has been interpreted by many artists, including The Hollies, and is often used as a metaphor for overcoming the odds and achieving victory.
