The Holly and the Ivy Lyrics

English trad.
recorder, cittern, curtal, small bells

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
Chorus
Oh 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 any flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior
Chorus

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good

Chorus
The holly bears a p****le
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn

2 × Chorus

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all

Chorus