Okay, so maybe this song doesn't actually make much sense, but I loved Loreena McKennitt's treatment of it on her album "A Midwinter Night's Dream", and this is my take on that.
lyrics
The holly and the ivy when they are full grown
Of all the trees in the wood the holly bears the crown
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the organ sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a blossom as white as any flower
And Mary bore Jesus Christ to be our saviour
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the organ sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore Jesus Christ to do sinners good
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the organ sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the organ sweet singing in the choir
The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore Jesus Christ to save us all
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the organ sweet singing in the choir
credits
from Hearth and Fire,
track released December 13, 2009
Matt Walton: Vocal, Tenori-on
Lyrics trad arr. Loreena McKennitt, Matt Walton
Tune by Loreena McKennitt
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