Nice Explanation But Is It True ?

[Dee Sa]

heard on LBC radio yesterday.... someone asked for an explanation of the saying "Its not over till the fat lady sings" best answer was.......
In the US elections the last state to sign in with their results is Texas, now the state of Texas is known affectionately as "The Fat Lady" so their results are very important indeed hence the expression "Its not over till the fat lady sings"----- true or not ?

[bibblebub]

Brewers gives it simply as the opera reference.

[douglas9401]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_ain%27t_over_till_the_fat_lady_sings

[ummmm]

I always thought it had something to do with opera.

[weecalf]

I thought it had to do with ploughman lunch .When the kettle whistled for the tea after the lunch .Just made that up but am I wrong ?

[Bbbananas]

I thought opera too

[RATTER15]

Ive always believed the opera thing.

[Dee Sa]

shame I rather liked the Texas one.

[joggerjayne]

So nothing to do with closing time in karaoke bars, then?

[Bbbananas]

It is in Boston JJ ...

[Hopkirk]

Brings back memories of the end of the Morecambe and Wise shows.

[kylesmum]

I've always been led to believe it was associated with American Baseball when a 'lady' sang, likely the Anthem, at the end of a game, hence 'it aint over until the fat lady sings'.

This may be an urban myth, likely is, but that has always been my 'take' on the expression.

[netibiza]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/it-aint-over-until-the-fat-lady-sings.html

Any help: Apparently German opera, and American sport.