AS JOSEPH WAS A-WALKING (Cherry Tree Carol)


1. Joseph was an old man,
An old man was he,
He wedded Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Galilee
The Queen of Galilee

2. As Joseph and Mary
Walked through an orchard green,
There were apples and cherries
Plenty to be seen.

3. Mary spoke to Joseph
So meek and so mild
Joseph, gather me some chrries
For I am with child.

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

5. Jesus spoke a few words,
And a very few words spoke he,
My mother wants some cherries,
Bend over, cherry tree!

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

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

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

9. On the sixth day of January
My birthday shall be,
When the stars and the elements
Shall tremble with fear.


(Contributed by Ferda Dolunay - October 2005)