The Cherry Tree Carol
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
There were cherries and berries, as thick as might be seen
There were cherries and berries, as thick as might be seen
Mary said 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 up spoke baby Jesus, from in Mary’s womb:
Bend down the tallest branches, that my mother might have some
Bend down the tallest branches, that my mother might have some
And bend down the tallest branches, it touched Mary’s hand
Cried she: Oh look thou Joseph, I have cherries by command
Oh look thou Joseph, I have cherries by command
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol The Cherry Tree Carol
“The Cherry Tree Carol” is a traditional English folk Christmas carol recorded by Joan Baez. The song is based on a medieval legend connected with Mary, Joseph and the journey before Jesus’ birth.
The song tells a story involving Mary and Joseph and reflects themes of faith, humility and the events surrounding the Nativity. Like many traditional carols, it combines religious themes with storytelling.
Joan Baez’s folk style gives the song a simple and traditional atmosphere. Its connection to Christmas comes from its association with the story of Jesus’ birth and old holiday traditions.
