When Joseph was an old man, and an old man was he
He wedded Virgin Mary the queen of Galilee
He wedded Virgin Mary the queen of Galilee

When Joseph was married and brought Mary home
Mary was with child and Joseph hadn't known
Mary was with child and Joseph hadn't known

As they went a-walking through the garden so green
There were cherries and berries hanging from a tree
There were cherries and berries hanging from a tree

Up then bespoke Mary, so meek and so mild
Saying, "Joseph, pluck some cherries, for I am with child"
Saying, "Joseph, pluck some cherries, for I am with child"

In anger spoke Joseph, in anger spoke he
"Let the father of your baby pick cherries for thee"
"Let the father of your baby pick cherries for thee"

Then out spoke baby Jesus, from his mother's womb
"Mary shall have cherries and Joseph shall have none"
"Mary shall have cherries and Joseph shall have none"

Then down bowed the cherry tree all down to the ground
And Mary plucked cherries while Joseph stood around
And Mary plucked cherries while Joseph stood around

As Joseph was a-walking he heard angels sing
"This night shall be born our heavenly king"
"This night shall be born our heavenly king"

Copyright: Traditional
Writer(s): Traditional