Tommy Thumb
A finger play song introducing Tommy Thumb, Peter Pointer and all the fingers
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Arrangement: Ian J. Watts / Mike Wilbury · Singalongasong Band / ClassicRocks
Lyrics
Tommy Thumb, Tommy Thumb,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Peter Pointer, Peter Pointer,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Toby Tall, Toby Tall,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Ruby Ring, Ruby Ring,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Baby Small, Baby Small,
Where are you?
Here I am, here I am,
How do you do?
Fingers all, fingers all,
Where are you?
Here we are, here we are,
How do you do?
Here we are, here we are,
How do you do?
Traditional lyrics — public domain. Arrangement © Singalongasong Band / ClassicRocks.
History & Background
History & Origin
"Tommy Thumb" is a finger play song in which each finger is given a name and invited to introduce itself. Tommy Thumb is the thumb; Peter Pointer is the index finger; Toby Tall is the middle finger; Ruby Ring is the ring finger; and Baby Small is the little finger. The final verse calls all fingers together.
The song is traditionally performed with hands hidden behind the back or under a cloth, each finger popping up in turn as its name is called, then tucking away again. For very young children, the game of hide and appear is irresistible, and the song's simple repeated structure — "Where are you? / Here I am" — makes it instantly learnable.
The names themselves — Tommy, Peter, Toby, Ruby, Baby — give the fingers a personality that children respond to warmly, turning an exercise in manual dexterity into a small piece of storytelling. This recording is gentle and well-paced, giving each finger its moment before bringing them all together for the final verse.
