Lyrics

THE CHERRY TREE CAROL (English Traditional)

When Joseph was an old man, an old man was he
He married Virgin Mary, the Queen of Galilee
He married Virgin Mary, the Queen of Galilee

Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard green
There were berries and cherries as thick as might be seen
There were berries and cherries as thick as might be seen

Then Mary spoke to Joseph, so meek and so mild
"Joseph, gather me some cherries for I am with child,
Joseph, gather me some cherries for I am with child"

And Joseph flew in anger, in anger flew he
"Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee,
Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee"

Then up spoke baby Jesus, from in Mary's womb
"Bend down the tallest tree that my mother might have some,
Bend down the tallest tree that my mother might have some"

And bent down the tallest brench 'till it touched Mary's hand
Cried she, "Oh look thou' Joseph, I have cherries by command"
Cried she, "Oh look thou' Joseph, I have cherries by command"