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

Joseph and Mary
Walked through an orchard green
Where were apples and cherries
As thick as might be seen
Where were apples and cherries
As thick as might be seen

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

Then the cherry tree bowed down
Bowed low down to her hand
And she cried look Joseph
I've cherries by command
And she cried look Joseph
I've cherries by command

Then Mary gathered cherries
Gathered cherries did she
And Joseph said in sorrow
Lord have mercy on me
And Joseph said in sorrow
Lord have mercy on me