Wednesday, December 08, 2004

The Holly and the Ivy

Traditional Medieval Carol

Verse 1

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.

Chorus

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

Verse 2

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Savior.

Chorus

Verse 3

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood;
Any Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.

Chorus

Verse 4

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas day in the morn.

Chorus

Verse 5

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.

Chorus

Verse 6

(Repeat first verse.)

Chorus

1 comment:

Brian said...

I don’t usually comment on my own posts, but you’re probably saying, “That’s not a hymn!” and you’d be right. But it does refer to blood, thorns, and gall, which are parts of Jesus’ crucifixion. That is why I have included this famous Christmas carol here. Hope you like it.