Holly Tree
View chords used in this chart
Intro: Am
F
When the robin builds in the holly tree
Am F
It's a sign of life, its gentle victory
C Dm
Well, today as I set to go
C F
I saw a nest in a tree hollow
Am F
Oh Emily, you're a brave girl
Am F
With your husband gone to the other world
C Dm
Sing a song while I light the fire
C F
We'll be joined by a spiritual choir
Here's the tansy and the chamomile
Dm
A tea for you to drink
F
As the pain increases, oh
Dm
You only have to think
Em
About a baby, we'll save the baby
Am F
I placed a holly sprig by the doctor's door
Am F
He has done this well and many times before
C Dm
He'll be careful which way he goes
C F
But he's been kind to us farm widows
Am F
And this I heard, just the other day
Am F
That they came to buy, and you chose to stay
C Dm
Soon a child will help you reap and sow
C F
May he cast a long shadow
But you say the trials are coming
Dm
You have felt the gathering forces
F
And the galloping you hear
Dm
Is of one too many horses
F
But rest your head my darling girl
Dm
There won't be any danger
F
Any person ever loved
Dm
An infant in a manger
Em
Saves the baby, save the baby
Instrumental: Am F Am F C Dm C F Am
F
Now the pastor comes, shakes the farmer's hand
Am F
Says, â??The earth will bear, like the promised land
C Dm
You have heard the stories down below
C F Dm Am C
But nature will bless this farm hollow.â?
F
Now the farmer's wife shudders
Dm
Pulls the shawl up to her shoulder
F
Every time she nears the hearth
Dm
She feels a little colder
Em
Where's the baby? There was a baby
OUTRO: Am F Am F C Dm C F Am
How to play Holly Tree
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Am. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.