Learn to Play The Holly and the Ivy
The Holly and the Ivy
To me, it never quite seems like Christmas until I hear the boys of Kings College chiming in with the rising of the sun and the running of the deer and those magic aspirational high notes. Then the magic of the season truly takes hold. The Holly and the Ivy is a carol that is full of mediaeval symbolism and borders on the pagan, which gives it a delightful and special charm. The old religion in Britain and Europe was very much a nature religion and early Christians shared the symbols of the old Yule festival. This page will show you how to play The Holly and the Ivy, introduce you to various versions of the carol and hopefully entertain you too!
You can save and print this image of the melody of The Holly and the Ivy. It is in the key of G which is easy for recorder and most stringed instruments. It has note name noteheads to help beginners too.
The Holly and the Ivy - Free Sheet Music for the Holly and the Ivy
The Holly and the Ivy Mugs
The Holly and the Ivy Mug
The Holly and the Ivy Mug by Persimew has a holly design with a tree sprite on one side, plus the notes for The Holly and the Ivy on the reverse. The music on this page was produced for this design.
The Holly and the Ivy Lyrics
Words of The Holly and the Ivy for you to sing
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
O 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
O 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 berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O 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 prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O 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 bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
The Holly and the Ivy has been a favorite of mine since childhood and I hope you enjoyed it too. Thank you for visiting my page about The Holly and the Ivy Christmas carol.
