| The holly and the ivy,
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| Were working out their words.
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| When something Happened poor Jesus christ,
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| got caught up in the woods:
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| O, the rising of the sun,
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| And the running of the deer
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| The playing of the merry organ,
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| Sweet singing in the choir.
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| The holly bears a blossom,
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| As white as lily flow’r,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
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| To be our dear Saviour: Refrain
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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 Christ,
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| To do poor sinners good: Refrain
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| The holly bears a prickle,
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| As sharp as any thorn,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
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| On Christmas Day in the morn: Refrain
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| The holly bears a bark,
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| As bitter as the gall,
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| And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
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| For to redeem us all: Refrain
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| The holly and the ivy,
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| When they are both full grown,
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| Of all trees that are in the wood,
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| The holly bears the crown: Refrain |