The first good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of one
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ when he was first her son.

CHORUS: When he was first her son, good man, and blessed may he be
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost through all eternity.

The second good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of two,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to make the lame to go.

The third good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of three,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to make the blind to see.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of four,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to read the Bible o'er.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of five,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to bring the dead alive.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of six,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ upon the crucifix.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of seven,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to wear the crown of heaven.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of eight,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to bring the crooked straight.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of nine,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ turn water into wine.

The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of ten,
To see the good Lord Jesus Christ to write with a golden pen.

Here comes old Father Christmas, now let him in or not,
I hope old Father Christmas will never be forgot.

This was noted as part of Phil Tanner's repertoire, but only the final verse appears to have been noted down from him (by Maud Karpeles in 1936).

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Last updated March 08, 2010.