Mediaeval Baebes – The Holly & The Ivy

The Holly and the Ivy

The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all 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 flow’r,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To be our sweet Saviour:

Refrain

The holly bears a berry,

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do poor sinners good:

Refrain

The holly bears a prickle,

As sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

On Christmas Day in the morn:

Refrain

The holly bears a berry,

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do poor sinners good:

Refrain

The holly bears a bark,

As bitter as any gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

For to redeem us all:

Refrain

The holly and the ivy,

When they are both full grown,

Of all trees that are in the wood,

The holly bears the crown:

Refrain