The Holly And The Ivy
Shay Michael & Martin Black 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 tree bears the crown
Chorus
O the rising of the sun
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing all in the choir
Oh the holly bears a blossom
As white as any milk
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
All wrapped up in silk
Chorus
Oh the holly tree bears a berry
As green as any grass
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Who died upon the cross
Chorus
Oh the holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Who rose up from the dead
Chorus
Oh the holly tree bears a blossom
As white as any snow
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
All for the world to show
Chorus
Now the holly tree bears a berry
As black as any coal
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
All to redeem us all
Chorus
Oh the holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly tree bears the crown
The song "The Holly and the Ivy" is a traditional Christmas carol that dates back to the 18th century. The song describes the holly and the ivy, two plants that were commonly used during the Christmas season, and draws a connection between their symbolism and the birth of Jesus Christ.
The first verse of the song refers to the holly tree as bearing the crown among all trees in the wood. This line is likely a reference to the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during the crucifixion, as the holly's sharp leaves and red berries have long been associated with the blood of Christ.
The second verse mentions the holly's white blossoms, which are compared to milk. This line is thought to symbolize the purity of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ.
In the third verse, the song mentions the holly's green berries, which are compared to grass, and makes a reference to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The fourth verse describes the holly's red berries, which are compared to blood, and draws a connection to Jesus' resurrection from the dead. The fifth verse returns to the holly's white blossoms, which are compared to snow, and emphasizes the message of Christ's birth being for the whole world to see. The sixth and final verse mentions the holly's black berries, which are compared to coal, and highlights the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice.
Overall, the song "The Holly and the Ivy" beautifully weaves together the Christmas story with the natural world, using the imagery of holly and ivy to create a sense of reverence and wonder.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh the holly and the ivy
The song is about the holly and the ivy.
When they are both full grown
The holly and the ivy are being described as fully grown.
Of all the trees that are in the wood
When compared with other trees in the wood, the holly tree is superior.
The holly tree bears the crown
The holly tree is crowned as the best tree in the wood.
O the rising of the sun
The song is about the beauty of the sunrising.
And the running of the deer
The beauty of the deer running is being described.
The playing of the merry organ
The sound of the organ being played is being described as joyful.
Sweet singing all in the choir
The lyrics of the choir singing are sweet and melodic.
Oh the holly bears a blossom
The holly tree has a beautiful white blossom.
As white as any milk
The white blossom is as white as milk.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
The birth of Jesus by Mary is being referred to.
All wrapped up in silk
Jesus was wrapped in silk after his birth.
Oh the holly tree bears a berry
The holly tree bears a green berry.
As green as any grass
The berry is as green as grass.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Mary gave birth to Jesus again being referred to.
Who died upon the cross
The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is being referred to.
Oh the holly bears a berry
The holly tree bears another berry.
As red as any blood
The red berry is as red as blood.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Mary's giving birth to Jesus is referenced once more.
Who rose up from the dead
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is being talked about.
Oh the holly tree bears a blossom
The holly tree bears another beautiful blossom.
As white as any snow
This blossom is as white as snow.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Mary's role in Jesus' birth is being reminded again.
All for the world to show
Jesus' birth is a message for the whole world to acknowledge.
Now the holly tree bears a berry
The holly tree bears another type of berry.
As black as any coal
This berry is as black as coal.
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
Mary's importance in Jesus' birth is highlighted again.
All to redeem us all
Jesus' birth and death were for the redemption of humanity.
Oh the holly and the ivy
The song is about the holly and the ivy.
When they are both full grown
The holly and the ivy are matured and grown.
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly tree is still considered the best tree in the wood.
The holly tree bears the crown
The holly tree is crowned again as the best tree in the wood.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LALO SCHIFRIN, . TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind