When Joseph was a young man
A young man was he
He courted Virgin Mary
The Queen of Galilee
He courted Virgin Mary
The Queen of Galilee
Then Mary spoke a few words
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
In anger flew he
"Let the father of thy baby
Gather cherries for thee
Let the father of thy baby
Gather cherries for thee"
Then Jesus spoke a few words
A few words spoke He
"Let my mother have some cherries
Bow low down, cherry tree
Let my mother have some cherries
Bow low down, cherry tree"
And the cherry tree bowed low down
Bowed low down to the ground
And Mary had some cherries
While Joseph stood around
And Mary had some cherries
While Joseph stood around
Then Joseph took Mary
All on his left knee
"What have I done, Lord?
Have mercy on me
What have I done, Lord?
Have mercy on me"
And Joseph took Jesus
On his right knee
"Go and tell me, pretty baby
When thy birthday will be
Go and tell me, pretty baby
When thy birthday will be"
"On the sixth day of January
My birthday will be
When the stars and the elements
Shall tremble with glee
When the stars and the elements
Shall tremble with glee"