The Holly and the Ivy

This time of year, the berries come on the numerous Holly trees in the area, and I start humming an old English Carol called the Holly and the Ivy. We sang it in the high school choir and I played a bass recorder to accompany. It is stuck, stuck, stuck in my head.

Here are the 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 saviour

Refrain (from what, I ask?)

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 prickle 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