What Child Is This
Andre Previn (Conducting) Lyrics
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On Mary's Lap Is Sleeping
Whom Angels Greet With Anthems Sweet
While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping
This, This Is Christ the King
Whom Shepherds Guard and Angels Sing
Haste, Haste to Bring Him Laud
So Bring Him Incense, Gold, and Myrrh
Come Peasant King to Own Him
The King of Kings Salvation Brings
Let Loving Hearts Enthrone Him
Raise, Raise the Song On High
The Virgin Sings Her Lullaby
Joy, Joy For Christ Is Born
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The Babe, the Son of Mary, Mary
The lyrics to Andre Previn's What Child Is This are deeply rooted in the religious significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by asking what child is laid to rest on Mary's lap while shepherds watch over him. The imagery of the sleeping baby is powerful, as it represents the faith and hope that Christians have in the promise of salvation. The sweet anthems of the angels greeting the child reveal the importance of Jesus' birth to the heavenly realm.
The chorus highlights the significance of Jesus as the King and the bringer of salvation. Shepherds guard him, while angels sing his praises. The call to "haste, haste to bring him laud" accentuates the importance of recognizing Jesus as the divine savior. The final verse speaks to the offering of incense, gold, and myrrh by the peasant king who comes to own him. The lyrics illustrate that Jesus symbolizes the hope for salvation that every person desires, regardless of their status in life.
The song concludes with a note of joy, recognizing that Jesus' birth brings hope and salvation to all. The virgin sings her lullaby, and those who hear the song raise it on high to celebrate the birth of Christ. Overall, Previn's What Child Is This is a poignant reflection on the religious significance of Christmas, emphasizing the hope and joy that the birth of Jesus brings to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child Is This Who Laid to Rest
Who is this child that lies peacefully?
On Mary's Lap Is Sleeping
Sleeping on the lap of Mary.
Whom Angels Greet With Anthems Sweet
The angels welcome the child with sweet songs.
While Shepherds Watch Are Keeping
The shepherds are keeping watch over him.
This, This Is Christ the King
This is Jesus Christ, the Lord and King.
Whom Shepherds Guard and Angels Sing
The shepherds protect him and the angels sing praises to him.
Haste, Haste to Bring Him Laud
Hurry, hurry to give him praise.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The child, who is the son of Mary.
So Bring Him Incense, Gold, and Myrrh
Bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come Peasant King to Own Him
Come, even as a simple peasant, to accept him as your king.
The King of Kings Salvation Brings
The king of all kings is here to bring salvation.
Let Loving Hearts Enthrone Him
Place him on the throne of your loving hearts.
Raise, Raise the Song On High
Sing a song of praise high up into the sky.
The Virgin Sings Her Lullaby
Mary sings a lullaby to her child.
Joy, Joy For Christ Is Born
Rejoice, for Christ has been born!
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The child, who is the son of Mary.
The Babe, the Son of Mary, Mary
The child, who is the son of Mary, and she is also named Mary.
Contributed by Sophie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@emilyyanchak1623
I searched years for this version of this song, thank goodness finally found it!
@brennanthomas2892
Please keep this one available. It's the best selection from this Christmas album and one of the best instrumental arrangements of this piece.
@eddieastoria44
I will Brennan
@jamesquebral5941
This is my favorite rendition of the song. It brings back so many memories! Please don't take it down.
@jushinthunderliger5245
Thank you for uploading this best version by far
@eddieastoria44
You're welcome Jushin
@nyyankeeslady
My absolute favorite version of this song. Incredible arranging by Andre Previn. His version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is great too. Thanks for posting.
@eddieastoria44
You're welcome Kimberly
@camerontarbox2259
I agree it always gives me goosebumps...it's simply hauntingly beautiful
@tommcgrath7633
The version of this Christmas song by André Previn always makes me cry. 😭 And even though it’s the best selection that brings me back memories, it’s super sad, like the Baby Mine song in the Disney movie, Dumbo. Thanks for posting.