One Man Mormon Blues Band: Music

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I have read that the custom in Christ's day was for the betrothal to be as binding as marriage, and the betrothal usually lasted for about a year. The couple didn't live together during that time.

I wondered what might go through the betrothed's mind prior to the actual day of marriage. Mary had plenty of time to anticipate, and worry about her upcoming marriage.

Marriage is somethings most humans desire, and it is ordained of God. But it doesn't take much observation to realize that it doesn't always bring happiness.

This tune is based upon an old negro spiritual, "All My Trials". This song probably originated in the ante-bellum south, but no one knows for sure. It was rediscovered in the Bahamas and the West Indies. It became a popular folk song during the folk movement in America during the sixties. That is where I first learned it.

Joseph was a man most six foot tall
With a mighty arm and skilled with an awl
Mary watched Joseph from under a tree
Who is this man betrothed to me

Joseph was a builder a carpenter man
A right keen eye and a clever hand
mary watched Joseph from the corner of her eye
And dreamed of a canopy by and by

Joseph knew the law they said he was just
Careful to obey do the things he must
Mary watched Joseph though young and shy
Mary watched Jospeh and sometimes she cried

Now a maid must wed who she must wed
She feels excitement mixed with dread
Mary watched Joseph from afar
And wondered about him from under the stars