The holly and the ivy
When they are full grown
Of all the trees that are 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 bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
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
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
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 that are 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