The Holly and the Ivy Heather Dale

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood — the holly wears the crown

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 berry as red as any blood
But Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to do us good

The holly bears a bark as bitter as a gall
But Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all