The Holly and the Ivy - Traditional

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.
O 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 lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet Savior.
O 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,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
O 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 prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O 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 bark,
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

The Holly and the Ivy lyrics utilize ancient symbols�the holly with its prickle like the crown of thorns and its red berry like the blood of Christ�to weave a theological narrative into a simple nature carol. The song The Holly and the Ivy is a favorite for its organic and earthy feel connecting the cycles of the seasons with the story of the Savior. It celebrates the rising of the sun and the running of the deer as part of the cosmic order that welcomes the King. By singing The Holly and the Ivy lyrics participants honor the connection between creation and the Creator finding spiritual depth in the simple beauty of the winter landscape and the evergreen hope of the Gospel.