The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown [Refrain:] 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 flow'r, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our dear Saviour [Refrain] The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To do poor sinners good [Refrain] The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas Day in the morn [Refrain] The holly bears a bark, As bitter as the gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all [Refrain] The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all trees that are in the wood, The holly bears the crown [Refrain]