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 sweet Saviour

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 berry

As red as any blood

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 bears a prickle

As sharp as any thorn

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

On Christmas Day in the morn

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 bark

As bitter as any gall

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

For to redeem us all

O the rising of the sun

And the running of the deer

The playing of the merry organ

Sweet singing

Sweet singing in the choir