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    Temp: Simply                                                                                          Origin: English

4 versus (click play in the right column to hear song)                     

 

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

 

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

 

Lyrics and sheet music from The Family Book of Christmas Songs & Stories by Jim Charlton & Jason Shulman. 1979

Music mp3 instrumental played by Ross Silke. 2012