The Holly and the Ivy   The holly and the Ivy   When they are both full grown   Of all trees that are in the wood   The holly bears the crown      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 lily flower   And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ   To be our sweet Saviour      The holly bears a berry   As red as any blood   And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ   To do poor sinners good      The holly bears a prickle   As sharp as any thorn   And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ   On Christmas Day in the morn      The holly bears a berry   As red as any blood   And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ   To do poor sinners good      The holly bears a bark   As bitter as any gall   And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ   For to redeem us all      The holly and the Ivy   When they are both full grown   Of all trees that are in the wood   The holly bears the crown