Preface
Many artists have made their own renditions of The Cherry Tree Carol such as Marty Haugen, Joan Baez, Martyn Bates, Joan Osborne, Angelo Branduardi, Judy Collins, Emmylou Harris, Mary Hopkin, the King's College Choir, Magpie Lane, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Nowell Sing We Clear, Peter Paul and Mary, Casey Stratton, John Rutter, Sting and the Poor Clares from New Orleans.
History and Origin of Cherry Tree Carol
Every now and then referred to as The Cherry Tree Carol -- As Joseph Was A-Walking, this illustrious Christmas song is said to date back to the 15th century. The very 1st publishing of this song can be found in the book, Sandys' Christmas Carols of the 1830’s. It is more appropriately termed as a ballad because it tells a story which revolves around Joseph and the expectant Virgin Mary.
In this ballad, Mary asks Joseph to collect some cherries for her to eat, which Joseph stubbornly refuses to do so. Joseph is then put to shame when he witnesses the cherry tree shockingly bends low for Mary to better reach for its fruit. Although it is still uncertain if this ever really occurred, the story affords us with the important message that being of God’s creation, it should be our every desire to bow down to Jesus’ Will for alone should be glorified.
Go to Top
Cherry Tree Carol Lyrics
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 good,
There were cherries, there were berries,
As red as any blood.
There were cherries, there were berries,
As red as any blood.
Then 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."
Then Joseph grew in anger,
In anger grew he,
"Let the father of thy baby
Gather cherries for thee!
"Let the father of thy baby
Gather cherries for thee!
Go to Top
Then Jesus spoke a few words,
A few words spoke he:
"Let my mother have some cherries,
Bow low down, cherry tree."
"Let my mother have some cherries,
Bow low down, cherry tree."
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,
"My Lord, what have I done?
Have mercy on me."
"My Lord, what have I done?
Have mercy on me."
Then Joseph took Mary
All on his left knee,
"Pray tell me, little Baby,
When thy birthday will it be?
"Pray tell me, little Baby,
When thy birthday will it be?
"On the Sixth day of January
My birthday it will be,
And the stars in the elements
Will tremble with glee."
And the stars in the elements
Will tremble with glee."
As Joseph was a-walking
He heard an angel sing,
"Tonight shall be the birth time
Of Christ ou
Go to Top
Cherry Tree Carol Youtube Video
Watch Cherry Tree Carol Jose Feliciano Version
Watch Cherry Tree Carol Colin Meloy Version
Go to Top
Cherry Tree Carol Music Sheet | Guitar Tab
Music Sheet Source: holidaysheetmusic.net
Go to Top
Cherry Tree Carol Chords
Go to Top