He became widely known for his version of "Wind Beneath My Wings" (1982), as well as his own compositions "Durham Town (The Leavin')" (1969) and "I Don't Believe in If Anymore" (1970), his 1970 hit "New World in the Morning" and his 1975 hit "The Last Farewell" (his only single to hit the US Billboard Hot 100, making it to the Top 20).
Whittakers first chart success came in 1969 when "Durham Town (The Leavin')" was his first UK Top 20 hit. In 1970 came two follow-up hits, "I Don't Believe In If Anymore" (Top 10) and "New World In The Morning" (Top 20), and 1971 brought two smaller hit singles "Why" and "Mamy Blue".
Whittaker was absent from the UK singles chart until 1975, when "The Last Farewell" went Top 3, after which it was another eleven years until "Skye Boat Song" returned him to the Top 10 of the singles chart.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Whittaker had success in Germany, with German language songs produced by Nick Munro (unable to speak German at that time, Whittaker sang the songs phonetically). In time he became more fluent in German and sang and was interviewed in German on Danish television in November 2008. Whittaker retired from touring in 2013.
THE HOLLY AND THE IVY
Roger Whittaker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
The holly bears a blossom
As white as the lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
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
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing in the choir
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
Sweet singing in the choir
The Holly and the Ivy is a classic Christmas carol that speaks to the joyous spirit of the holiday. It tells the story of holly and ivy, two evergreens that have their own unique qualities. The song mentions that when they grow to their full size, the holly bears the crown, thus being the king of the woods. The holly tree, known for its pointed leaves and red berries symbolizes the prickly crown of thorns that Jesus wore on the day of his crucifixion. The white blossom reflects the purity of the baby Jesus born to Mary.
In the final verse, the holly's prickle is evocative of the pain that Jesus endured for humanity, as Mary bore the baby on Christmas morning. The second verse suggests that Mary gave birth to Jesus, the savior born in a manger, for the benefit of sinners. The chorus repeats throughout the song, noting the various sights and sounds of the holiday season such as the sun rising, the deer running, the sound of a merry organ, and the choir singing, all of which are meant to celebrate the joy of Christmas.
Line by Line Meaning
The holly and the ivy
This song is about the holly and ivy plants.
When they are both full grown
The plants are at their full size.
Of all the trees that are in the wood
Out of all the trees in the forest, holly is the most prominent.
The holly bears the crown
Holly is the most important tree in the forest.
The holly bears a blossom
Holly produces a flower that looks like a lily.
As white as the lily flower
The holly blossom is the same color as a lily.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
The song mentions the Christian belief that Mary gave birth to Jesus.
To be our sweet Saviour
Jesus was born to save humanity from sin.
The rising of the sun
This is the beginning of a new day.
And the running of the deer
Deer are running around.
The playing of the merry organ
There is joyful music being played on an organ.
Sweet singing in the choir
A choir is singing beautifully.
The holly bears a berry
Holly also produces red berries.
As red as any blood
These berries are bright red in color.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
The song mentions Mary and her role in the birth of Jesus.
To do poor sinners good
Jesus was born to help those who have sinned.
The holly bears a prickle
Holly has sharp leaves or prickles.
As sharp as any thorn
These prickles are very sharp and pointy.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Again, the song mentions Mary and the birth of Jesus.
On Christmas Day in the morn
Jesus was born on Christmas Day.
Sweet singing in the choir
The song ends by repeating the earlier line that the choir is singing beautifully.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TRADITIONAL, EVAN JOLLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tami Lapp
I had this song on an album....possibly a cassette tape...in the 80's. Still, not only my favorite version of this song, but ANY Christmas song....
T S
Your cassette story is quite similar to my own... maybe even exactly (save the “any” as there are so many I enjoy for varied reasons).
I am pressed now to name the compilation, but I will find the cassette when I get home, and send my info for you to compare. As I recall the cassette was issued between 83 and 87 (correct year will replace this range later).
Be that as it may, this perhaps as my first heard version seems to be the best I can find. I have listened to various renditions, and some are similar but I agree with you that at this time it remains my favorite combination arrangement, melody, instrumentals and harmonies.
Be well, merry and bright!
Indian Doctor
Its getting to be that time! My fav version of this song! Merry Christmas everyone!
Anne-Marie Deters
Grew up listening to this song on Time Life Treasury of Christmas Music( 1987 limited edition). Great song!
Jessica Monday
Nobody sings this as wonderful as he does.
Steve Thompson
Really like this version by Roger. Has a terrific voice and the musical arrangement is perfect too.
Walt McCarthy
The best rendition of a beautiful Christmas Carol.
Vanessa Sandoval
I have been searching for this version of this song for 20years! It was on a Christmas cd that was gifted to me!
Bethany Cousineau
My Dad loves this song so much 😊
Frost
Legendary stache and sweater