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