The holly and the ivy when they are full grown
Of all the trees in the wood the holly bears the crown

The rising of the sun
The running of the deer
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir

The holly wears a blossom as white as any flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our Saviour

The rising of the sun
The running of the deer
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do sinners good

The rising of the sun
The running of the deer
The playing of the 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

The rising of the sun
The running of the deer
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to redeem us all

The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir

The holly and the ivy when they are full grown
Of all the trees in the wood the holly bears the crown

The rising of the sun
The running of the deer
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir