Folklore: There's My Thumb

Subject: Folklore: There's My Thumb
From: samirich
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 02:54 PM

I just ran across this song in the Orpheus Caledonius and the title caught my eye. The lyrics of the song are all about a young man and woman who are sweethearts and then it talks about the universal truths of youthful love etc. BUT the last line of the song states:
"There's my thumb, I'll ne'er beguile ye."

I have no clue as to what this guys thumb is supposed to represent. Can anyone clue me in? Other lyrics to this song on request.

Thanks:

Sammy Rich

Subject: RE: Folklore: There's My Thumb
From: The Badger
Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:42 PM

The phrase is similar in meaning to "Here's my hand" - used to mean Here's my word. A pledge of truthfulness - still used in some parts of Yorkshire. That mught be the meaning?

Subject: RE: Folklore: There's My Thumb
From: Amos
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 12:45 PM

Anatomically, it could be metaphorical....or even literal...but a tad over-explicit, IMNSHO! :D


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