It was in the month of May
When the men were making hay,
That I went for a walk down by the barn
There I spied a pretty maid
And unto her that I said,
"Won't you let me wind up your little ball of yarn?"

Oh, the blackbird and the thrush, they sing out from every bush,
Keep your hands upon your little ball of yarn.
Oh the blackbird and the thrush, they sing out from every bush,
Keep your hands upon your little ball of yarn.

"Oh no kind sir," said she,
"You're a stranger unto me,
"And no doubt you have some other little charm."
"Oh, no, my turtle dove,
"You're the only one I love.
"Won't you let me wind your little ball of yarn?"

Chorus

In the middle of the green
Where I knew we couldn't be seen
Not expecting for to do her any harm
And there to my surprise
Oh she looked into my eyes
Won't you let me wind your little ball of yarn?

Chorus

It was nine months from that day
When I met her on the way,
With a charming little girl upon her arm.
Says I, "Now young miss
"Oh you did not expect this,
"When you let me wind your little ball of yarn."

Chorus

All you burley burley dawn [ <== ??? ]
When you're playing in the corn
Make sure you don't come to any harm
For the blackbird and thrush
They'll come walking round your bush,
Keep your hands on your little ball of yarn.

Chorus

May 4, 2013. Transcribed from singing of Dick Miles at the
Swindon Folksingers Club.


Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8H9wpMBVtw


I'm uncertain about the beginning of the last verse. Any help with
transcribing it is appreciated.