ivy
Cathedrals and Cars Lyrics


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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.
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 sweet as any flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet savior.
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,
For to do us sinners good.
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'.
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.
The rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.




The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

Overall Meaning

The song "Ivy" by Cathedrals and Cars is a modern interpretation of the traditional English Christmas carol "The Holly and the Ivy." The lyrics describe the holly and the ivy, two plants commonly associated with Christmas, and their symbolic significance. The holly is portrayed as the "king" of the woods, with its prickly leaves and sweet berries representing the harsh realities and sweet rewards of life. The ivy, on the other hand, is seen as a symbol of undying love and the promise of new life.


The lyrics also reference the birth of Jesus Christ, with Mary's role in giving birth to the Savior being likened to the sweetness of the holly berry. The song's chorus, which repeats throughout, emphasizes the joy and merriment of Christmas, with the "rising of the sun," the "running of the deer," and the "playing of the merry organ" all contributing to the festive atmosphere.


Overall, "Ivy" is a thoughtful and poetic interpretation of a classic Christmas carol, incorporating both traditional symbolism and modern sensibilities.


Line by Line Meaning

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.
Out of all the trees in the forest, holly is the grandest when fully mature.


The rising of the sun, And the running of the deer, The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.
Describing the joy of the Christmas season.


The holly bears a berry, As sweet as any flower, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, To be our sweet savior.
The berry on holly is as sweet as any flower, and sweet Jesus was born to be our savior.


The holly bears a berry, As red as any blood, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to do us sinners good.
The holly berry is as red as blood, and Jesus was born to save us sinners.


The holly bears a prickle, As sharp as any thorn, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, On Christmas day in the morn'.
The holly prickle is sharp, and Jesus was born on Christmas morning.


The holly bears a bark, As bitter as any gall, And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ, For to redeem us all.
The bark of holly is bitter, and Jesus was born to redeem us all.


The playing of the merry organ, Sweet singing in the choir.
Again, describing the joy and celebration of the Christmas season.




Lyrics © DELLA BLUE MUSIC LLC
Written by: NICK MUNRO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Pam

This is great. I would enjoy seeing more videos with half a dozen singers tell stories. I miss George. Continue to keep him alive with Younce stories. 🎙👍🎶

Kendra Kight

I could go on & on listening to the stories of these guys cause I just love them so much!

Marilyn O'Day

A bunch of funny guys. Very talented as well.

Dan Keil

I was in Louisville when Glen called in from the Hospital. I have seen the Cathedrals 6 times. George Amon WSebster was my friend

Justin van den Heuvel

This is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing!

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