Cherry Tree Carol- (NL) 1999 Morgan/Brazil
[This abbreviated variant, of an unknown source, is from Newfoundland Yuletide Favourites by Pamela Morgan (born November 25, 1957 in Grand falls, Newfoundland and Labrador) based reportedly on a traditional ballad. Also recorded by Judy Brazil of Trepassey, Southern Shore, NL (Greatest Gift Of All, trk#3, 2003 CD, Sawyer Hill Productions, Placentia, NL, produced and arranged by Kevin Collins.
Her bio says, "For 19 years, Pamela Morgan was lead singer, guitarist, and arranger for the Canada’s pioneering celtic band, Newfoundland’s Figgy Duff, who brought the traditional music of Newfoundland to the world stage."
R. Matteson 2014]
Cherry Tree Carol- Pamela Morgan/Judy Brazil; Newfoundland
Joseph was an old man and an old man was he,
When he wedded Mary in the land of Galilee;
When he wedded Mary in the land of Galilee.
Joseph and Mary walkéd out in that orchard food,
There were berries and cherries so red as any blood;
Berries and cherries so red as any blood.
Then up speaks fair Mary, with a voice so meek and so mild,
"Pluck me one cherry, Joseph, for I am with child;
Pluck me one cherry, Joseph, for I am with child."
Then up speaks old Joseph with an answer most unkind,
"Let him pluck thee the cherry that brought thee now with child;
Let him pluck thee the cherry that brought thee now with child."
Then up speaks the baby from within his mother's womb,
"Bow down the tallest branches for my mother to have some;
Bow down the tallest branches for my mother to have some."
Then bowed down the tallest tree all on the babe's command,
"Dear Joseph," said Mary, "I have cherries by command;
Dear Joseph," said Mary, "I have cherries by command."
Then up speaks old Joseph, "I have done my Mary wrong,
But cheer up now, my dearest, do not be cast down;
But cheer up now, my dearest, do not be cast down."
Mary ate a cherry so red as any blood,
Then Mary she went home all with her heavy load;
Mary she went home all with her heavy load.