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