As Joseph Was A-Walking

"Joseph and the Angel," Part 2 of The Cherry Tree Carol

For Christmas

Words and Melody from Fyfe's 'Christmas: its Customs and Carols,' 1860.

See: The Cherry Tree Carol - Notes

Source: Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), #17, p. 32

1. As Joseph was a-walking
    He heard an angel sing:
This night shall be born 
    Our heavenly king.
He neither shall in housen
    Be born, nor yet in hall,
Nor bed, nor downy pillow,
    But in an oxes stall.

2. He neither shall be clothed
    In purple nor in pall,
But in the fair linen
    That usen babies all.
He neither shall be rocked
    In silver nor in gold,
But in a wooden cradle
    That rocketh on the mould.

3. He neither shall be cristen'd 
    In white wine nor in red,
But with the fair spring water
    As we were christened.
As Joseph was a-walking
    He heard an angel sing;
This night shall be born
    Your heavenly King.

Sheet Music from Richard Runciman Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (London: Burns Oates & Washbourne Limited, 1933), #17, p. 32

Sheet Music from RR Terry Attributed to Gilbert and Sandys

Editor's Note:

This version differs from other versions given by Rev. Terry:

• As Joseph Was A-Walking - Terry, Twelve Christmas Carols (1912)

• As Joseph Was A-Walking - Terry, Old Christmas Carols (1923)

Part Two of The Cherry Tree Carol, Terry, Two Hundred Folk Carols (1932)

And See: As Joseph Was A Walking - Fyfe (1860)

There are numerous versions of this carol. See: The Cherry Tree Carol - Notes.

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