Cherry Tree Carol
AKA "When Joseph Was A-Walking"
Traditional English Carol

Those portions in parentheses are alternate versions.

When Joseph was an old man, 
An old man was he, 
He courted (married) Virgin Mary, 
The Queen of Galilee. 

Mary spoke to Joseph 
So meek and so mild (With her sweet lips so mild) 
Joseph, gather me some cherries 
For I am with child. (For to give to my child)

Then Joseph flew in anger, 
In anger he flew; 
Let the father of the baby 
Gather the cherries for you. 

(O, then replied Joseph 
With words so unkind, 
I will pluck no cherries 
for to give thy child.)

Then up spoke baby Jesus, 
All in his mother's womb 
Bow you down low, you cherry tree, 
While Mary gathers some.

(Mary said to cherry tree, 
"Bow down to my knee, 
That I may pluck cherries, 
By one, two and three.")

The cherry tree bowed down, 
So low to the ground; 
And Mary gathered cherries 
While Joseph stood around. 

(The uppermost sprig then 
Bowed down to her knee: 
"Thus you may see, Joseph, 
These cherries are for me.")

Then Joseph took Mary 
All on his left knee; 
Saying: Lord have mercy upon me 
For what I have done. 

Then Joseph took Mary 
All on his right knee; 
Pray tell me, little baby, 
When your birthday shall be. 

On the fifth day of January * 
My birthday shall be, 
When the clouds and the elements 
Will tremble with fear. 

As Joseph was a-walking, 
He heard the angels sing, 
"This night there shall be born 
Our Heavenly King." 

* Probably referring to the Julian calendar's dating of Christmas, still honored by the Eastern Orthodox Church.