The Holly and the Ivy | Christmas Carol Lyrics and Free Easy Piano & Harp Sheet Music

from the MMF Songbook



History for 'The Holly and the Ivy'

The Holly and the Ivy is a traditional Christmas carol that dates back to the 17th century. Holly and ivy have beautiful green leaves with white flowers and red berries and have been used in Christmas Church decorations as early as the 15th century.


Lyrics for 'The Holly and the Ivy'

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
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir.

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir.

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir.

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir.

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir.

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the 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 of the choir.


Browse Related Resources for ‘The Holly and the Ivy’

Piano Sheet Music

The Holly and the Ivy for Easy/Level 3 Piano Solo

Harp Sheet Music

The Holly and the Ivy for Easy Harp Solo



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