Evansville [Ind.] Courier (March 30, 1940):

"A ballad of old-time infares in Warrick County to be reported on is called 'That Little Ball O' Yarn,' which the 'stout-hearts' have played for 100 years. It goes, 'If I only had a wife, I'd be happy all my life, and I'd wind up that little ball o' yarn.'"

Perhaps an innocent version is meant. But in that case, why "stout-hearts."?

An "infare" was a party held for newlyweds.