Cherry Tree Carol

Joan Baez · Other Songs - Joan Baez

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 green

There were cherries and berries, as thick as might be seen

There were cherries and berries, as thick as might be seen

Mary said 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 flew in anger, in anger flew he

Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee!

Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee!

Then up spoke baby Jesus, from in Mary's womb:

Bend down the tallest branches, that my mother might have some

Bend down the tallest branches, that my mother might have some

And bend down the tallest branches, it touched Mary's hand

Cried she: Oh look thou Joseph, I have cherries by command

Oh look thou Joseph, I have cherries by command

Cherry Tree Carol - Joan Baez

Joan Baez's rendition of the Cherry Tree Carol stands as a quintessential example of her ability to blend traditional folk melodies with contemporary social consciousness. Recorded during the height of the 1960s folk revival, the track exemplifies her signature style, characterized by clear vocal delivery and a commitment to preserving cultural heritage. While the song's origins lie in centuries-old European carols, Baez's interpretation brought it into the American folk canon, often accompanying her broader advocacy for peace and civil rights. Her performance captures the spiritual and communal spirit of the original, transforming a simple Christmas hymn into a vehicle for broader humanistic themes. This recording remains a staple in her discography, illustrating her role as a custodian of folk tradition who seamlessly integrated historical music with modern artistic expression.