Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#645

645. The holly and the ivy

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,
white as the lily flower,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
to be our sweet Saviour. [Refrain]

3 The holly bears a berry,
as red as any blood,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
to do poor sinners good. [Refrain]

4 The holly bears a prickle,
as sharp as any thorn,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
on Christmas day in the morn. [Refrain]

5 The holly bears a bark,
as bitter as any gall,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
for to redeem us all. [Refrain]

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. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: The holly and the ivy
• Title: The holly and the ivy
• Refrain First Line: The rising of the sun
• Meter: 76 86 (Irregular) and Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Topic: Christmas
• Source: Traditional

Tune Information

• Name: THE HOLLY AND THE IVY
• Composer: Adrian Vernon Fish
• Meter: 76 86 (Irregular) and Refrain
• Key: F Major
• Source: English folk carol
• Copyright: Arr. © 1994 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
• Notes: An alternative arrangement will be found at No. 834