DARYL Braithwaite still can't quite put his finger on why The Horses is such an iconic song for Australian audiences.
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But he's not about to argue about that fact.
The track, written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Becker, is one of the highlights of every Braithwaite gig, one which also includes such hits as Howzat from Sherbet, the band he fronted in the 1970s.
"I have conveyed to her (Jones) how important that song is to so many people in Australia," Braithwaite said.
"For whatever reason that is, and it is hard to say, but there is just something about the song itself, lyrically, melodically, or the image that it sets up for people, it could be any one of those things, or all of them.
"But it is fantastic to play it, let me tell you.
"It just makes you think 'you've been doing this for 45 years', but you feel like you are starting out again.
"It is beautiful, there is no other word."
Braithwaite will bring The Horses, as well as other hits such as As the Days Go By and Sherbet's Howzat to A Day on the Green on Saturday at Relbia's Josef Chromy Wines, a concert headlined by John Farnham and also featuring Ross Wilson.
Braithwaite, who said it took him five or six years to finally be able to perform at one of the A Day on the Green shows, described the experience as "amazing".
The Farnham shows take it up to another level entirely, saying he was having "quite a lot of fun" and that these shows were "exciting".
"I think John is one of the best singers of pop songs, and is just technically a great singer.
"I've known Ross for many, many years and it is so great to see him play and that reaction, and then there's John, who really just still loves it."
"It has been an honour to be on the same bill.
"I look forward to doing these outdoor gigs in front of thousands of people, as they are very powerful, and it does just make you go wow'.
"They bring in an audience from right across the board, from late teens to early 20s, up until people my age, mid-60s.
"They make people feel good, as everyone is relaxed and getting into it and it is great atmosphere.
"I see it like a big barbecue, and you are making a whole lot of new friends."
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: A Day on the Green.
WHEN: Saturday.
WHERE: Josef Chromy Wines, Relbia.
COST: Tickets from $105 for general admission.
SET TIMES: 4pm: Gates open; 4.50pm: Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks; 6.10pm: Daryl Braithwaite & band; 7.30pm: John Farnham; 9pm: approximate finish.
