Lyrics

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
For the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry lute
Sweet singing 'mongst the trees

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
As the winter snows that befall the earth
Twinkling beneath the stars
For the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry lute
Sweet singing 'mongst the trees

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
As we warm the spiced, sweet summer wines
Merrily we fill our cups
For the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry lute
Sweet singing 'mongst the trees

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
As the icy frost that bites our skin
Early on the solstice morn
For the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry lute
Sweet singing 'mongst the trees

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
As the coldest wind that blows about
While we watch the sun at dawn
For the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry lute
Sweet singing 'mongst the trees

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
For the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry lute
Sweet singing 'mongst the trees