The Holly and the Ivy (featuring Chuck Owston)

 

Re-release of The Holly and the Ivy, featuring Chuck Owston.
This song is a traditional English carol. The song itself can be traced back no further than the early 19th century, though there are many correlations between holly and Christmas that date back as far as medieval times.
There a couple different melodies to which the lyrics have been set, but of course, I chose the version that sounded the most medieval to me. :D

My friend Chuck Owston and I performed this song for one of my Living Room Sessions a couple years ago, and I've also performed it live at a couple Living History Christmas events. I hope you enjoy the re-release of this song and video!
It is one of a few Winters Blessings surprises that are to come. :)

LYRICS:
Loreena McKennitt
The holly and the ivy
When they are full grown,
Of all the trees in the wood
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly wears a blossom
As white as any flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our Saviour.
The rising of the sun,
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 sweet Jesus Christ
To do sinners good.
The rising of the sun,
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 sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
The rising of the sun,
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 sweet Jesus Christ,
To redeem us all.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly and the ivy,
When they are full grown,
Of all the trees in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun,
The running of the deer,
The playing of the organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.


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