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Lyrics and Information

The Holly and the Ivy

Words: Traditional English, ca 1700
Tune: Traditional English, collected and arranged by Cecil (J.) James Sharp
Key signature: G major (1 sharp)
Time signature: 3/4
Meter: 7.6.9.6 with Refrain
Chords are available in the PDF and in landscape mode.
Public Domain
Organ performance at Hymns Without Words
1. 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:
Refrain: The rising of the sun and the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.
2. The holly bears a blossom, As white as lily flow’r, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our dear Savior:
3. The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To do poor sinners good:
4. The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas day in the morn:
5. The holly bears a bark, As bitter as the gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all:
6. 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.