The Holly And The Ivy
View chords used in this chart
C G C
Oh the Holly and the Ivy,
C G
When they were both full grown,
C F
of all the trees that are in the wood,
C G C
the Holly bears the crown.
[Refrão] C G C
The rising of the sun,
C G
and the running of the deer,
C C7 F
the playing of the merry organ,
C G C
sweet singing all in the choir.
( C G C
(Oh sweet signing all in the choir.)
C G C
The holly bears the blossom,
C G
As white as the lily flower,
C F
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C G C
To be our sweet Saviour.
Chorus
C G C
The holly bears a berry,
C G
As red as any blood,
C F
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C G C
To do poor sinners good:
Chorus
C G C
The holly bears a prickle,
C G
As sharp as any thorn,
C F
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C G C
On Christmas day in the morn.
Chorus
C G C
The holly bears a bark,
C G
As bitter as any gall,
C F
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
C G C
For to redeem us all:
[Refrão] C G C
The rising of the sun,
C G
and the running of the deer,
C C7 F
the playing of the merry organ,
C G C
sweet singing all in the choir.
( C G C
(Oh sweet signing all in the choir.)
How to play The Holly And The Ivy
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 C. 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.