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When Joseph was an old man,
An old man was he,
He married the Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Galilee.
He married the Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Galilee.
As Joseph and Mary
Walked through an orchard good,
Here are apples and cherries
As red as any blood.
As Joseph and Mary
Walked through an orchard green,
Here are apples and cherries
As thick as might be seen.
Then up spoke sweet Mary,
So meek and so mild,
"Joseph, gather me some cherries,
For I am with child."
Then Joseph flew in angry,
In angry flew he,
"Let the father of the baby
Gather cherries for thee."
Then up spoke sweet Jesus,
All in his mother's womb,
"Bow down, you tallest tree,
That my mother might have some."
So low bowed that cherry tree,
Down low to the ground,
And Mary gathered cherries
While Joseph stood around.
Then Joseph took Mary
All on his left knee,
Said, "Tell me, pretty baby,
When your birthday will be."
"On the sixth day of January
My birthday will be.
When the stars and the elements
Shall tremble with glee."
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