The Cherry Tree Carol

1 As Joseph was a-walking,
He heard an angel sing,
This night shall be the birthday
Of Christ, the heav'nly King.

2 He neither shall be bornen
In housen nor in hall,
Nor in the place of paradise,
But in an oxen's stall.

3 He neither shall be clothéd
In purple nor in pall,
But in the fair white linen
That usen babies all.

4 He neither shall be rockéd
In silver nor in gold,
But in a wooden manger
That resteth on the mould.

5 As Joseph was a-walking,
There did an angel sing;
And Mary's Child at midnight
Was born to be our King.

6 Then be ye glad, good people,
This night of all the year,
And light ye up your candles,
For His star shineth clear.


Source: Wartburg Hymnal: for church, school and home #137

• MIDI file from Carols Old and Carols New: for use at Christmas and other seasons of the Christian year #625
  
• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #253
  
• Audio recording from Small Church Music #7423