Celtic Lyrics Corner > Artists & Groups > Loreena McKennitt > A Midwinter Night's Dream > The Holly & The Ivy

   
A Midwinter Night's Dream The Holly & The Ivy
   
Credits: Traditional; arranged by Loreena McKennitt
   
Appears On: A Midwinter Night's Dream
   
Language: English
   
Other Versions: "The Holly And The Ivy" on Katie McMahon's album Celtic Christmas
   

Lyrics:

The holly and the ivy, when they are full grown
Of all the trees in the wood, the holly bears the crown

Chorus (after each verse):
The rising of the sun, the running of the deer
The playing of the organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a blossom as white as any flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our Savior

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do sinners good

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn

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

The holly and the ivy, when they are full grown
Of all the trees in the wood, the holly bears the crown