Christmas carol
Come Buy My Nice Fresh Ivy is aChristmas carol that originated inIreland.
The music isO'Carolan's Lament (Irish:Uaill-Cuma ui Cearballain), byTurlough O'Carolan.
The lyrics were written by John Keegan (1809–1849). They were published originally in the first edition ofThe Irishman of 1849
- Come, buy my nice fresh ivy, and my holly sprigs so green.
- I have the finest branches that ever yet were seen.
- Come buy from me, good Christians, and let me home, I pray,
- That God will bless your Christmas and a happy New Year's Day
- Ah, won't you buy my ivy? It's the loveliest I've seen.
- Ah, won't you buy my holly? Oh you who love the green.
- Do take a little branch of each, and on my knees I'll pray
- That God will bless your Christmas and a happy New Year's Day.
Like many traditional or older pieces a number of versions of the lyrics exist. For example:
- Come buy my nice fresh ivy,
- And my holly boughts so green,
- I have the fairest branches,
- That ever yet were seen.
- Come buy from me good Christians,
- And let me home I pray,
- And I'll wish you a merry Christmas time,
- And a happy New Year's Day.
- Ah! won't you take my ivy?
- The loveliest ever seen,
- Ah! won't you have my holly boughts?
- All you that love the Green.
- Do! take a little bunch of each
- And on my knees I'll pray,
- That God may bless your Christmas
- And be with you New Year's Day.
These are the lyrics performed by theCór Na Nog Rté Choir in the opening moments of the 2002 movieEvelyn. The song is not on the film's soundtrack.[citation needed]
Turlough O'Carolan, also called Terence Carolan, born Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin was born in 1670, nearNobber,County Meath. He died on March 25, 1738, inAlderford,County Roscommon), one of the last Irish harpist-composers and the only one whose songs survive in both words and music in significant number.[citation needed]
- Irish Flower Girl Song
- Irish Flower Girl's Song
- The Holly and Ivy Girl
- The Holly And The Ivy Girl
