Bangor [Me.] Daily News (June 27, 1934):

"A while ago some one asked... to dig up the old song called 'The Little Ball of Yarn.' We advertised in this column, and here, right away, comes this reply from one who signs himself 'An Aroostook Pioneer Lumberman.' (They used to sing the song in lumber camps and everywhere else.

"Here's the song you asked for:

    It was in the month of May,
    When the little lambs do play,
    And the little birds together sing their charms,
    That I met a maiden fair
    With silken, sunny hair -
    'Can I help you wind your little ball of yarn?'

    'Oh, no! kind sir,' said she
    You're a stranger unto me,
    And I fear that you might do me some harm.;
    You had better go to those
    Who have money and fine clothes
    You might help them wind their little ball of yarn.'

    Take a warning, ladies fair,
    And of strangers do beware -
    They will want to wind your little ball of yarn;
    Like the robin and the thrush,
    Keep your head beneath the brush,
    And your hand upon your little ball of yarn."