The Cherry Tree Carol
Traditional
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As a traditional folk song, I have found numerous versions with many different verses. This arrangements is made up of my favorite verses and is in no way an attempt to be a copy of anyone elses's version. Any similiarity is coincidental.
D
1. When Joseph was an old man,
F#m A
An old man was he,
G D
When he courted Virgin Mary,
D F#m
The Queen of Galilee,
G D
When he courted Virgin Mary,
D A D
The Queen of Galilee,
2. As Joseph and Mary
Were walking one day,
"Here are apples and cherries,"
O Mary did say....
"Here are apples and cherries,"
O Mary did say....
3. When 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...."
4. 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!"
5. Then up spoke baby Jesus,
All in his mother’s whomb,
"Bow down you tallest tree
That my mother might have some.”
"Bow down you tallest tree
That my mother might have some.”
6. So bent down the tallest tree
To touch Mary’s hand
Said she, oh look now Joseph,
I have cherries at command
Said she, oh look now Joseph,
I have cherries at command
7. As Joseph was a-walking
He heard the Angels sing,
This night there shall be born
Our heavenly king.
This night there shall be born
Our heavenly king.
8. "He neither shall be born
In house nor in hall,
Nor in the place of Paradise,
But in an ox-stall.
Nor in the place of Paradise,
But in an ox-stall.
9. "He shall not be clothed
In Purple nor pall;
But all in fair linen,
As wear babies all.
But all in fair linen,
As wear babies all.
10. "He shall not be rocked,
In silver nor gold,
But in a wooden cradle
That rocks on the mould.
But in a wooden cradle
That rocks on the mould.
11. "He neither shall be christened
In milk, nor in wine,
But in pure spring -well water
Fresh sprung from Bethine."
But in pure spring -well water
Fresh sprung from Bethine."
12. Mary took her Baby,
She dressed him so sweet,
She laid Him in a manger
All there for to sleep.
She laid Him in a manger
All there for to sleep.
13. As she stood over Him
She heard Angels sing,
"Oh! bless our dear Savior,
Our heavenly King."
"Oh! bless our dear Savior,
Our heavenly King."