The Holly and the Ivy 

The holly and the ivy, 

When they are both full grown, 

Of all 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 flow'r, 

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, 

To be our sweet Saviour: 



Refrain 



The holly bears a berry, 

As red as any blood, 

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, 

To do poor sinners good: 



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The holly bears a prickle, 

As sharp as any thorn, 

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, 

On Christmas Day in the morn: 



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The holly bears a berry, 

As red as any blood, 

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, 

To do poor sinners good: 



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The holly bears a bark, 

As bitter as any gall, 

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, 

For to redeem us all: 



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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