[Chorus]
When Joseph was an old man, an old man was he
He courted Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee[x2]

[Verse]
When Joseph and Mary were walking one day
Here is apples and cherries so fair to behold[x2]

Then Mary spoke to Joseph so meek and so mild
"Joseph, gather me some cherries for I am with child"[x2]

Then Joseph flew in anger, in anger he flew
"Oh, let the father of the baby gather cherries for you"[x2]

So the cherry-tree bowed low down, low down to the ground
And Mary gathered cherries while Joseph stood down[x2]

Then Joseph took Mary all on his right knee
Crying, "Lord, have mercy for what I have done"[x2]

[Chorus]