IntroG x2
GCGC
Joseph was an old man, an old man was he,
EmCDEm
When he wedded Virgin Mary, in the land of Galilee,
EmCDG
When he wedded virgin Mary, in the land of Galilee.
GCGC
Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard green,
EmCDEm
There were berries and cherries as thick as might be seen,
EmCDG
There were berries and cherries as thick as might be seen.
GCGC
Oh then bespoke Mary with words meek and mild,
EmCDEm
Pluck me one cherry Joseph, for I am with child,
EmCDEm
Pluck me one cherry Joseph, for I am with child.
EmDCD
Oh then bespoke Joseph with answer most unkind,
EmDCEm
Let him pluck thee a cherry, that brought thee with child,
EmCDEm
Let him pluck thee a cherry, that brought thee with child.
GCGC
Oh then bespoke the baby within his mothers womb,
EmCDEm
Bow down the tallest tree, that my mother may have some,
EmCDG
Bow down then the tallest tree, for my mother to have some.
GCGC
Then bow down the tallest tree, unto his mothers hand,
EmCDEm
She cried; '??see Joseph, I have cherries at command,'??
EmCDG
Then she cried; '??see Joseph, I have cherries at command.'??
GCGC
Then Mary plucked a cherry, as red as any blood,
EmCDEm
Then Mary, she went over all with her heavy load,
EmCDG
Then Mary went over all with her heavy load.
GCGC
As Joseph was a-walking he heard an angel sing,
EmCDEm
This night shall be born, on earth our heavenly king,
EmCDG
This night there shall be born, on earth our heavenly king.
InstrumentalG , C , G , C.
Em , C , D , EmEm , C , D , GGCGC
Then Mary took her young son and set him on her knee,
EmCDEm
Saying, dearest son tell me just how this world shall be,
EmCDEm
Saying, dearest son tell me just how this world shall be.
EmDCD
Oh I shall be as dead mother as the stones are in the wall,
EmDCEm
Oh the stones in the street mother shall sorrow for me all,
EmCDEm
Oh the stones in the street mother shall sorrow for me all.
EmDCD
On easter day dear mother my rising up shall be,
EmDCEm
Oh the sun and the moon mother, shall both arise with me,
EmCDG
Oh the sun and the moon mother, shall both arise with me.
OutroG
This arrangement for the song is the author's own work and represents their interpretation of the song. You may only use this for private study, scholarship, or research.