Joseph Were A Young Man Lyrics

1. Joseph were a young man,
A young man were he,
And he courted Virgin Mary,
The Queen of Gallilee. (sic)

2. Mary and Joseph
Were a-walking one day.
Here is apples and cherries
A-plenty to behold.

3. Mary spoke to Joseph
So meek and so mild:
Joseph, gather me some cherries,
For I am with child.

4. Joseph flew in angry,
In angry he flew,
Saying: Let the father of your baby
Gather cherries for you.

5. The Lord spoke down from Heaven,
These words he did say:
Bow you low down, you cherry tree,
While Mary gathers some.

6. The cherry tree bowed down.
It was low on the ground;
And Mary gathered cherries
While Joseph stood around.

7. Then Joseph took Mary
All on his right knee:
Pray tell me, little baby,
When your birthday shall be.

8. On the fifth day of January
My birthday shall be,
When the stars and the elements
Shall tremble with fear.

9. Then Joseph took Mary
All on his left knee,
Saying: Lord have mercy upon me
For what I have done.