What Child Is This?
103. Andy Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While Mary's man is sleeping
Whom angles greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch their king
Why lies he in such lowly place
While cows and sheep are feeding
Good christian fear for sinners here
[Chorus]
This is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angles sing
Hast hast to bring him praise
The baby son of Mary
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant King to owe him
The king of kings salvation bring
That loving hearts in throne
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Andy Williams's "What Child is This" talk about the birth of Jesus Christ and the events surrounding it. The singer wonders at the humble setting of Jesus's birth, with the King of Kings being born in a lowly manger, surrounded by farm animals such as cows and sheep. The angels sing "anthems sweet" to welcome the newborn King, and the shepherds, who are watching their flocks, are the first witnesses to the birth of the Savior.
The second verse is about the significance of Jesus's birth. The singer encourages Christians to fear God in the presence of this holy event, as Jesus would grow up to be the savior of humanity. The song emphasizes the humble, peaceful nature of Jesus's arrival, with "a silent word is pleading." The chorus repeats the incredible nature of Jesus's birth, bringing joy to the shepherds and angels, who celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited king.
Overall, "What Child is This" speaks of the joyous event that is the birth of Jesus Christ. It puts an emphasis on the humble, peaceful nature of his birth and the significance of his role as savior of humanity. The song encourages Christians to celebrate this event and offer praise, and to reflect on the depth of the love that Jesus brings.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this laid to rest
Who is this child who has been laid to rest?
While Mary's man is sleeping
While Joseph, Mary's husband, is sleeping?
Whom angles greet with anthems sweet
Who receives sweet hymns from angels?
While shepherds watch their king
As the shepherds keep watch over their king?
Why lies he in such lowly place
Why is he lying in such a humble place?
While cows and sheep are feeding
While the cows and sheep are feeding nearby?
Good christian fear for sinners here
Christians should be fearful for the sinners among them.
A silent word is pleading
A wordless request is being made.
[Chorus]
This is Christ the King, whom the shepherds and angels praise. Let us hasten to give him our praise, as well, for he is the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh
Bring him offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant King to owe him
Come, humble people, to pay tribute to the King.
The king of kings salvation bring
Bring the salvation of the King of Kings.
That loving hearts in throne
So that loving hearts may find a place of honor.
[Chorus]
This is Christ the King, whom the shepherds and angels praise. Let us haste to bring him our praise, as well, for he is the son of Mary.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BRYAN BENOIT, RICHARD C. BRAUN, DAVID S. KOZ, BRENDA GORDON RUSSELL, PETER HARRY WHITE, DP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind