The Holly and the Ivy

Author: Tradition English carol from the 1600s
Public domain
Meter: 3/4

This carol is easiest for guitar in the key of G.

You can copy it from this page, paste it into Key Switch, and transpose it to any key. Easy as 123.

 

  The Holly And The Ivy
------------------------


    D             |
The holly and the ivy
     D                  (A)
When they are both full grown 
   D                      G
Of all the trees that are in the wood
    A               D
The holly bears the crown.



  CHORUS:  
 
       D             |
   The rising of the sun  
           D              (A)
   And the running of the deer
       D              G    
   The playing of the merry harp
         A              D
   Sweet singing in the choir. 

 

    D               |
The holly bears the blossom
   D            (A)
As white as any flower
    D               G
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ 
   A                D
To be our sweet Sav-iour


  [Chorus]


    D             |
The holly bears a berry
   D          A
As red as any blood
    D               G
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
   A               D
To do poor sinners good
  
    [Chorus])




— — Example of alternate chords — — 


    D             |
The holly and the ivy, 
     Bm                 A
When they are both full grown 
   D                      Bm
Of all the trees that are in the wood
    G       -   A7  D
The holly bears the crown.


   CHORUS:  
 
       D             |
   The rising of the sun  
           Bm             A
   And the running of the deer
       D              Bm    
   The playing of the merry horn
         A7             D
   Sweet singing in the choir. 


— or —
  
   CHORUS:  
 

       D             |
   The rising of the sun  
           D              (A)
   And the running of the deer

       Bm             G    
   The playing of the merry horn
         A7             D
   Sweet singing in the choir.