Publisher Desc.  To understand the meaning and tradition of the lyrics of this well-known Christmas carol requires more space than is available here.  Inquisitive readers will be well served to spend a short while online to gain an intriguing and insightful understanding of this carol whose lyrics are buried in its history.   Just look up "The Holly and the Ivy."  The setting was written specifically for all-boys groups, but they may be sung by mixed groups as well.