The Holly and the Ivy Lyrics

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, 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 Savior
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a bark as bitter as the gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all
O the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir