The Holly and the Ivy (unsourced)
 | The source document of this text is not known. Please see this document's talk page for details for verification. "Source" means a location at which other users can find a copy of this work. Ideally this will be a scanned copy of the original that can be uploaded to Wikimedia Commons and proofread. If not, it is preferably a URL; if one is not available, please explain on the talk page. |
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.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer;
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir.
The holly tree bears a leaf,
As green as any grass,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
Who died upon the cross.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer;
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir.
The holly tree bears a blossom
As white as any milk,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
All wrapp-ed up in silk.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer;
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir.
The holly tree bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer;
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir.
And the holly tree bears a bark,
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer;
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir.
The holly tree bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn.
Oh, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer;
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing all in the choir.