Oh the holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly tree bears the crown
Chorus
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing all in the choir
Oh the holly bears a blossom
As white as any milk
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
All wrapped up in silk
Chorus
Oh the holly tree bears a berry
As green as any grass
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Who died upon the cross
Chorus
Oh the holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Who rose up from the dead
Chorus
Oh the holly tree bears a blossom
As white as any snow
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
All for the world to show
Chorus
Now the holly tree bears a berry
As black as any coal
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
All to redeem us all
Chorus
Oh the holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly tree bears the crown