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
The running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing all 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
The running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing all in the choir
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any 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 all 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 all in the choir
The holly bears a flower
As white as in the milk
And Mary bore sweet Jesus
All wrapped up in silk
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing all in the choir
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 all in the choir
Sweet singing all in the choir
Sweet singing all in the choir
Sweet singing all in the choir