| lyric | 1. 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.
Ref.: O the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
2. The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior.
3. The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood;
Any Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
4. The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christn
Christmas day in the morn.
5. The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all. |