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:]

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 dear Saviour


[Refrain]


The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do poor sinners good

[Refrain]


The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn


[Refrain]

The holly bears a bark,

As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all


[Refrain]


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]