Chords with lyrics
Kate». These are NOT the chords to the normal song, so please don't expect them to be.
Any part in brakets () is an optional bar. I have worked this out on the accordion and
piano, without the use of a guitar or a copy of the track, so I am not entirely sure what
key it is in, or where to put the capo, the chords may not even be correct, but they
certainly sound nice and work wonders when busking. Enjoy!
© Ari Cooper Davis
© Kate Rusby
C majorC 
G+G C majorC
Oh the Holly and the Ivy,
C majorC G+G
When they were both full grown,
C majorC 
FF
of all the trees that are in the wood,
C majorC G+G C majorC
the Holly bears the crown.
// Chorus //
C majorC G+G C majorC
The rising of the sun,
C majorC G+G
and the running of the deer,
C majorC 
C7C7 FF
the playing of the merry organ,
C majorC G+G C majorC
sweet singing all in the choir.
( C majorC G+G C majorC )
(Oh sweet signing all in the choir.)
// End of Chorus //
C majorC G+G C majorC
The holly bears the blossom,
C majorC G+G
As white as the lily flower,
C majorC FF
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C majorC G+G C majorC
To be our sweet Saviour.
// Chorus //
C majorC G+G C majorC
The holly bears a berry,
C majorC G+G
As red as any blood,
C majorC FF
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C majorC G+G C majorC
To do poor sinners good:
// Chorus //
C majorC G+G C majorC
The holly bears a prickle,
C majorC G+G
As sharp as any thorn,
C majorC FF
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C majorC G+G C majorC
On Christmas day in the morn.
// Chorus //
C majorC G+G C majorC
The holly bears a bark,
C majorC G+G
As bitter as any gall,
C majorC FF
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C majorC G+G C majorC
For to redeem us all:
// Final Chorus //
C majorC G+G C majorC
The rising of the sun,
C majorC G+G
and the running of the deer,
C majorC C7C7 FF
the playing of the merry organ,
C majorC G+G C majorC
sweet singing all in the choir.
( C majorC G+G C majorC )
