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.[Chorus:] O the rising of the sun, The running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir 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[Chorus] The holly bears a berry As red as any blood And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ To do poor sinners good.[Chorus] The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas day in the morn[Chorus] The holly bears a bark As bitter as any gall And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ For to redeem us all.[Chorus] 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.[Chorus]