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

Chorus (after each verse):
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 any 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 bears a bark as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all