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 Oh 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 any flower And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To be our sweet Savior Oh 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 berry As red as any blood And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To do poor sinners good Oh 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 prickle As sharp as any thorn And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas day in the morn Oh the rising of the sun And the running of the deer The playing of the merry organ Sweet singing in the choir Oh 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 bark As bitter as any gall And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ For to redeem us all Oh the rising of the sun And the running of the deer The playing of the merry organ Sweet singing in the choir