The Holly and the Ivy

I uploaded this fine tune, as it is the subject matter for the first movement of the Rowley "Christmas Suite."

It is NOT the tune that most of us know in association with this text.

This version comes from "Christmas Carols New & Old", which was edited by the Rev. H. R. Bramley (words) and John Stainer (music.)

I've performed this as I might in accompanying a fine "parish church" choir. I haven't altered the harmony, but have used considberable variety in the organ colors, in the hope of "highlighting" the text.

Holly and ivy have been a mainstay of British Christmas decoration for church use since at least the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

The score is attached below.

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.

Chorus

O the rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the quire.

The holly bears a blossom,
As white as the lily flower;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet Saviour.
O the rising of the sun, etc.

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, etc.

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, etc.

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, etc.

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, etc.