The Red Christmas

O TAKE away the mistletoe And bring the holly berry, For all the lads are gone away And all the girls look sad to-day, There's no one left with them to play, And only birds and babes and things unknowing Dare be merry. Then take away the mistletoe And bring the holly berry.

But oh its leaves are fresh and green, Why bring the holly berry? Because it wears the red, red hue, The colour to the season true, When war must have his tribute due, And only birds and babes and things unknowing Can be merry. So take away the mistletoe, Yet keep the holly berry.