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]