The Holly and the Ivy

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

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 bears a blossom
As white as the lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior

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 and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown

collected by Pat Shaw and Maud Karpeles in Herefordshire
Recorded on Langstaff- Christmas Revels
play.exe HOLLYIVY.2
SOF