The Holly and the Ivy

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:

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 flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear Savior:

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

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

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