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.
As Joseph and Mary were
walking one day,
Here are apples, here are cherries,
enough to behold.
Here are apples, here are cherries,
Enough to behold.
Then Mary spoke 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,
in anger flew he.
Let the father of the baby
gather cherries for thee.
Let the father of the 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.
The cherry tree bowed low down,
Bowed low down to the ground,
And Mary gathered cherries,
While Joseph stood around.
And Mary gathered cherries
while Joseph stood around.
Then Joseph took Mary all
on his right knee.
What have I done, Lord,
have mercy on me?
What have I done, Lord,
have mercy on me?
Then Joseph took Jesus all on his left knee.
Oh, tell me, little baby,
when thy birthday will be.
Oh, tell me, little baby,
when thy birthday will be.
The sixth day of January
my birthday will be,
When the stars in the elements
shall tremble with glee.
When the stars in the elements
shall tremble with glee.