What old saying? (mole on the arm)

Subject: What old saying?
From: GUEST,Redhorse at work
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 08:26 AM

"When your money's gone and your clothes are hocked
You'll find the old saying is true,
that a mole on the arm is worth two on the leg
But what are you going to do?"
(Bald-headed End of the Broom)

Two questions: Has anyone ever heard this saying? What does it mean?

nick

Subject: RE: What old saying?
From: belter
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 04:31 PM

I haven't heard that one, but I guess it's similar to a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. A mole skin coat does much more to keep you warm than any number of moles running free.

Subject: RE: What old saying?
From: GUEST,Les B.
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 05:19 PM

I was wondering just the other day about that line in that song. I also assumed it was just some sort of whimsical Uncle Dave variation on "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush".

The moleskin idea perhaps has some merit? Weren't moleskin trousers popular once ? ie, two legs.

Subject: RE: What old saying?
From: redhorse
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 05:43 PM

I'd been assuming a mole as in a skin blemish, which doesn't make any sense either.Why would moleskin on your arm (a jacket?)be better than moleskin trousers?
On the other hand if it is of Uncle Dave origin, maybe looking for sense isn't that clever!
nick

Subject: RE: What old saying? (mole on the arm)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Nov 04 - 06:16 PM

Well, it's not very good for the mole!

(Yes, I ,it's just a tight weave cloth with a velvety pile and not a real mole.....)

LTS

Subject: RE: What old saying? (mole on the arm)
From: open mike
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 12:55 AM

on the leg as in on the hoof...
running away with a mole inside it!
personally i think the furs id better
kept on the critter it grew ON!

Subject: RE: What old saying? (mole on the arm)
From: Dead Horse
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 03:24 AM

If ya have a mole on ya arm, it is more likely to be seen than one on da leg. No?

Subject: RE: What old saying? (mole on the arm)
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 04:48 AM

This is very puzzling. I have a mole on my arm and also one on my leg. As far as I know they've never met and are not having any sort of relationship otherwise I would be covered in moles.

Could it be some sort of code? Is it the same as a bird in the hand will be soon in the club, or too many cooks strain credulity?

Who knows, who cares? Is this looking glass land? Stop that doormouse!

Subject: RE: What old saying? (mole on the arm)
From: GUEST,Les B.
Date: 02 Nov 04 - 11:07 AM

Yeah, what Dead Horse says is probably right. The simplest explanation is most likely the best.

I once had a friend give me a hard time about over-analyzing Old Timey lyrics. "Just sing 'em and let the audience worry about them," he said.