The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly wears the crown.
[Chorus:]
O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
[Chorus:]
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
[Chorus:]
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn
[Chorus:]
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
[Chorus:]
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly wears the crown.
[Chorus:]