Little Ball of Yarn

One fine day in May, I took a walk one day
Down by my grandfather's farm
I met a pretty maid and this is what I said
"May I wind up your little ball of yarn?"

I took this pretty maid underneath the shade
Not intending for to do any harm
I took her by surprise and I laid between her thighs
And I winded up her little ball of yarn

This pretty maid she rose and she pulled on her clothes
And straight to her grandma she did run
And for me, I was never seen as I skipped across the green
After winding up her little ball of yarn

Come all you young men, never step out after ten
Not intending for to do any harm
For as soon as they lie down, you've got to pay your sweet half
crown
For the winding of the little ball of yarn

Come all you young men, take a warning to what I said
Never rise up too early in the morn
For like the blackbird and the thrush
there'll be someone behind the bush
That will wind up your little ball of yarn

_________
versions recorded by Carthy on his Second album
and Oscar Brand on Bawdy Songs II
see also Little Ball of Yarn (2)
SOF