The Holly and the Ivy lyrics
by Heather Dale
The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood — the holly wears the crown
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 berry as red as any blood
But Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to do us good
The holly bears a bark as bitter as a gall
But Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all