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
Oh, 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 blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior
Oh, 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
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
Oh, 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 prickle
As sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn
Oh, 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 bark
As bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all
Oh, 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
Now both are full well-grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
Oh, the rising of the sun (rising of the sun)
And the running of the deer (running of the deer)
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
Oh, the rising of the sun (rising of the sun)
And the running of the deer (running of the deer)
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol The Holly and the Ivy
“The Holly and the Ivy” is a traditional British Christmas carol with origins in English folk music. The exact author is unknown, but the song became widely known through collections of Christmas carols in the nineteenth century. Annie Lennox recorded a version that brought the traditional carol into a modern musical setting.
The song uses the holly and ivy plants as symbols connected with Christmas and Christian beliefs. The lyrics describe the holly as representing aspects of the story of Jesus, including his birth, suffering and resurrection. The imagery combines older winter traditions involving evergreen plants with Christian interpretations of the Christmas story.
Annie Lennox’s version gives the traditional carol a contemporary and atmospheric sound while maintaining its historical meaning. “The Holly and the Ivy” remains connected to Christmas because of its use of seasonal symbols and its reflection on the religious significance of the holiday. It represents the way older folk traditions and Christian themes have become part of Christmas music over centuries.
