FIVE FINGERED JOE. American, Polka (2/4 time). D Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. The term 'five-fingers' has had a few different meanings in the history of slang. Several hundred years ago it referred to the five of trumps in the game of don or five-card, and more lately, in underworld usage, to a five year prison sentence. The most modern meaning denotes o a thief, one who obtains a 'five-fingered discount' by shoplifting.
Additional notes
Source for notated version: -
Printed sources : - Howe (Musician's Omnibus, No. 1), c. 1863; p. 46. Howe (1000 Jigs and Reels), c. 1867; p. 81.
