Lyrics and Music: Traditional English

1. 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.

• Refrain: O the rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.

2. The holly bears a blossom,

• As white as the lily flower,

• And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

• To be our sweet Savior.

• (Refrain)

3. The holly bears a berry,

• As red as any blood,

• And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

• To do poor sinners good.

• (Refrain)

4. The holly bears a prickle,

• As sharp as any thorn,

• And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

• On Christmas Day in the morn.

• (Refrain)

5. The holly bears a bark,

• As bitter as any gall,

• And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

• For to redeem us all.

• (Refrain)

6. 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.

• (Refrain)