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.
CHORUS:
O the rusing of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The laying of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir,
The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
To do poor sinners good.
CHORUS
The holly bears a blossom,
As white as lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
To be our sweet Saviour.
CHORUS
The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
For to redeem us all
CHORUS
The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
On Christmas Day in the morn.
CHORUS
Oh the holly bears a flower,
As white as any milk,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus
All wrapped up in silk.