Christopher Hughes The Holly and the Ivy 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
Refrain:
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
Refrain
The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good
Refrain
The holly bears a p____le as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn
Refrain
The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all
Refrain
Another version of the refrain's second line is:

The playing of the merrier gods, sweet singing in the choir