Lyrics:

Traditional

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 walked through an orchard green
There were apples and cherries
Plenty there to be seen
There were apples and cherries
Plenty there to be seen.

Then Mary spoke to Joseph so meek and so mild
Joseph, gather me some cherries for I am with Child
Oh, 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 you
Let the father of the baby gather cherries for you

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
For what have I done
Have mercy on me
Oh, what have I done, Lord?
Have mercy on me."

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.