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
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 sweet as any flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, to be our sweet Saviour
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, for to do us sinners good
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'
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
The rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir