The holly and the ivy

O the holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly tree bears the crown.

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

O the holly bears a blossom
As white as the lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet saviour.
Chorus:

O the holly bears a berry
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
Chorus:

O the holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Chriss-e-mas Day in the morn.
Chorus:

O the holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
Chorus:

Words and music traditional, from the singing of Mrs Clayton, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire.
Music arranged by Paul McDowell © 1992.

Arrangement of music may not be reproduced without permission from the copyright owner.