When Joseph was an old man, an old man was he
He courted Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee
He courted Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee

When Joseph and Mary were walking one day
Here is apples and cherries so fair to behold
Here is apples and cherries so fair to behold

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 he flew
'Oh, let the father of the baby gather cherries for you'
'Oh, let the father of the baby gather cherries for you'

So the cherry-tree bowed low down, low down to the ground
And Mary gathered cherries while Joseph stood down
And Mary gathered cherries while Joseph stood down

Then Joseph took Mary all on his right knee
Crying, 'Lord, have mercy for what I have done'
Crying, 'Lord, have mercy for what I have done'

When Joseph was an old man, an old man was he
He courted Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee
He courted Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee