The Holly Tree

by Nina Ricci

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“The Holly Tree” is also known as the “Sans Day Carol” or “St. Day Carol.” It originates in the Cornish town of St. Day, and according to the Roud Folk Song Catalog, it is a variant of “The Holly and the Ivy.”

lyrics

1. Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk,
And Mary bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk



Chorus


Mary bore Jesus our Saviour for to be,

And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!

And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

2. Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross:

Chorus

3. Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all:

Chorus

4. Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red,
Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead:

Chorus

Tag:
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

credits

released December 1, 2023

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Nina Ricci Chattanooga, Tennessee

Nina Ricci is a folksinger, songwriter, and guitarist living and creating new music in Nashville Tennessee. Her style is "retro-progressive," throwing hints at the last folk revival and steaming forward; letting the hinges of tradition dangle among the stories she sings. ... more

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