What Child Is This?
Andrea Bocelli with Mary J. Blige 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,
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you,
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
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 song "What Child is This" by Andrea Bocelli is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song starts by posing the question of who is the child that is laying on Mary's lap while shepherds keep watch and angels sing sweet anthems. The answer is given that this is Christ the King who is guarded by the shepherds and praised by the angels. The song goes on to describe the humble beginnings of the Savior's life, why he is lying in such a lowly place instead of a grand palace. The reason is that he has come to plead for sinners and eventually, nails and a spear will pierce Him on the cross to bear the sins of the world. The final stanza of the song calls for all to come and worship this King of Kings, and offer gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. In the end, the song celebrates the joy and wonder of Christ's birth and the love He brings to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child is this who, laid to rest
Who is this child that is now sleeping and resting?
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Why is this child sleeping on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels greet this child with sweet sounds of praise.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
As the shepherds watch over them.
This, this is Christ the King,
This child is Jesus, the King of all.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing,
The shepherds are guarding him, and the angels are singing.
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
Hurry, hurry, to give him praise.
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
He is the baby, the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is he lying in such a lowly place?
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where the oxen and donkeys are eating.
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
Christians, be afraid, for there are sinners here.
The silent Word is pleading.
The Word of God is silently asking for mercy.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
Jesus will be crucified and pierced with nails and a spear.
The Cross be borne for me, for you,
He will carry the cross for your sins and mine.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
Let's celebrate the fact that the Word became flesh (Jesus).
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
He is the baby, the son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Let us offer him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant, king to own Him.
Whether you are a peasant or a king, come and acknowledge him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Jesus, the King of all, brings salvation to us.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
May our loving hearts make him our king.
Raise, raise, the song on high,
Let us sing a song of praise to him.
The virgin sings her lullaby,
The virgin Mary sings a lullaby to her baby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
We should feel joyful because Christ has been born.
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
He is the baby, the son of Mary.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID FOSTER, ERIN TAYLOR FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mariedzioba4035
Unbelievable, Andrea is the best singer ever. He is just magical. Thank you for your voice. ❤️XXX
@onzkicg
2021 anybody? Merry Christmas! Timeless song and rendition.
@hotboytoy138
the juxtaposition of their voices is LITERALLY EVERYTHANG!
@franmonroe9528
I agree it is the most beautiful version that I've ever heard. It makes Mr want to cry with joy.
@apeaceintuithm5578
So beautiful it makes me cry and lift my hand up to God! Giving Him ALL the glory and praise for gifting us with Jesus and with these two heavenly and dynamic voices that use their gifts to honor Him!!!! This makes my hair stand up!
@pamelavarilone2614
Of Bocelli's numerous vocal collaborations, this IMO is his finest. Mary J matches him, pound for pound, tone for tone, and the generous Andrea listens carefully to where she's going, letting her SHINE.
@markkennedy4854
Such a great performance by both Andrea Bocelli & Mary J. Blige.
@karenstafford6227
From the 1st time I heard this rendition with these two gifted artists, I have been hooked. I play it throughout the year. It's incredible. Gives me goosebumps every time.
@Sunshineandlollipops800
Me too
@AG-jf6wg
The most beautiful rendition of the song that I have ever heard. God bless you, Mary J Blige and Bocelli.