The Cherry Tree Carol

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 cherries and berries
As thick as might be seen,
There were cherries and berries
As thick as might be seen.

Mary said 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.

Then Joseph flew in anger,
So rude and so wild.
“Let him gather thee some cherries
Who made thee with child!
Let him gather thee some cherries
That made thee with child!”

Then up spoke baby Jesus
From in Mary’s womb:
“Bow down, you tallest branches.
That my mother might have some,
Bow you, you tallest branches,
That my mother might have some.”

And bowed down the tallest branches
To touch 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!”