The Cherry Tree- F.C. Gainer (WV) c1920 P. Gainer
[My date, assuming it's real. From Singa Hipsy Doodle; Botte 1971 also Folk Songs From the West Virginia Hills; Gainer 1975. His notes follow. This is just another Patrick Gainer (b. 1904) ballad that creates suspicion. He publishes it in Botte's book in 1971 as from his grandfather, F.C. Gainer- then four years later he publishes it with two additional verses.
R. Matteson 2014]
THE CHERRY TREE
(CHILD 54, "THE CHERRY TREE CAROL")
Since a carol was a song for a particular occasion, usually a religious celebration, this ballad was sometimes called a carol because it was suitable for singing at Christmas time. This was one which my grandfather Gainer used to sing on Sunday mornings. The sixth day of tanuary was often called "Old Christrnas."
The Cherry Tree
1. When Joseph and Mary were walking one day,
They walked through an orchard where was cherries to behold.
2. Said Mary to Joseph, so meek and so mild,
"Please gather me some cherries, for I am with child."
3. Then Joseph flew in anger, in anger he flew,
"Let the father of that baby gather cherries for you."
4. Then the cherry tree bowed down, low down to the ground,
And Mary gathered cherries while Joseph stood around.
5. Then Joseph took Mary all on his right knee,
"Pray tell me, little baby, when your birthday with be."
6. "On the sixth day of January my birthday will be,
When high in the heavens my star you will see."