The holly and the ivy
When they are both full-grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crownOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choirThe holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet SaviorOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choirThe holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners goodOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choirThe holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the mornOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choirThe holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us allOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choirThe holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crownOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choirOh, the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir