The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood,

The holly wears the crown.

[Chorus]

O the rising of the sun,

The running of the deer,

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir

Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossom

As white as lily flower

And mary bore sweet jesus christ

To be our sweet saviour

[Chorus]

The holly bears a berry

As red as any blood

And mary bore sweet jesus christ

To do poor sinners good.

[Chorus]

The holly bears a prickle

As sharp as any thorn

And mary bore sweet jesus christ

On christmas day in the morn

[Chorus]

The holly bears a bark

As bitter as any gall

And mary bore sweet jesus christ

For to redeem us all.

[Chorus]

The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all the trees that are in the wood,

The holly wears the crown.

[Chorus]