The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown


[Refrain:]

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 flow'r,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To be our dear Saviour


[Refrain]


The holly bears a berry,

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do poor sinners good


[Refrain]


The holly bears a prickle,

As sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

On Christmas Day in the morn


[Refrain]


The holly bears a bark,

As bitter as the gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

For to redeem us all


[Refrain]


The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown


[Refrain]