| The holly and the ivy,
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| When they are both full grown,
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| Of all the trees that are in the wood,
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| The holly bears the crown.
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| CHORUS:
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| O the rusing of the sun,
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| And the running of the deer,
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| The laying of the merry organ,
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| Sweet singing all in the choir,
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| The holly bears a berry,
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| As red as any blood,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
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| To do poor sinners good.
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| CHORUS
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| The holly bears a blossom,
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| As white as lily flower,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
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| To be our sweet Saviour.
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| CHORUS
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| The holly bears a bark,
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| As bitter as any gall,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
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| For to redeem us all
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| CHORUS
|
| The holly bears a prickle,
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| As sharp as any thorn,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus,
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| On Christmas Day in the morn.
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| CHORUS
|
| Oh the holly bears a flower,
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| As white as any milk,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus
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| All wrapped up in silk. |