The holly and the ivy, When they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the woods, The holly bears the crown. The holly bears a blossom, White as a lily flower, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our sweet Saviour. The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To do poor sinners good. 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, When they are both full grown, Of all the trees that are in the woods, The holly bears the crown. Of all the trees that are in the woods, The holly bears the crown. © transcript Emily Beynon