Billy McLaughlin graduated with honors from the University of Southern California. He now resides in his home state of Minnesota where he is raising his two boys.
While studying music at the University of Southern California, he became interested in the minimalist compositions of Phillip Glass and Steve Reich. Hearing recordings by guitarists Michael Hedges and Steve Tibbets, McLaughlin began composing for his first CD released on his own record label in 1986. Many of the compositions featured a technique using both hands on the fingerboard in which the notes are “tapped” in a series of hammer-ons and pull-offs creating a harp-like effect. The technique became McLaughlin’s stylistic signature and by the early 90s he was touring the US coast-to-coast.
In 1995, Narada/Virgin Records signed McLaughlin to a multi-album contract ending his string of seven self-released titles. Narada’s first release, Fingerdance, climbed to #7 on the Billboard’s New Age chart and was distributed world-wide.
By 2000, McLaughlin's skills on the guitar were severely degraded due a problems in one of his hands. He could no longer perform most of his own repertoire. Several months later Billy was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called focal dystonia. Choosing to go against doctors’ recommendations to quit music and look for other work, McLaughlin focused on his songwriting and returned to his ensemble which was less demanding for his hands. McLaughlin began the unlikely journey of teaching himself to play in his signature style, left-handed. Warned by doctors of a higher likelihood for developing focal dystonia in his remaining good hand, McLaughlin chose to press on towards an ambitious goal he had yet to achieve – to perform and record a new project with a string orchestra.
In January 2007, McLaughlin published a limited release of Into the Light, a concert recording of compositions for acoustic guitar with string orchestra. This collaboration with Grammy nominated arranger, Eugenio Toussaint, is McLaughlin’s first as a left-handed guitarist. Into the Light will be released nationally in the Fall of 2007 accompanied by a companion concert DVD.
What Child Is This
Billy McLaughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The babe, the son of Mary
Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
In the first verse of "What Child Is This," the artist addresses the question of the identity of the child who is peacefully resting on Mary's lap. The child is described as being greeted by angels with sweet anthems while shepherds watch over him. The lyrics highlight the significance of this child as they proclaim that he is Christ the King. Both shepherds and angels acknowledge his importance and sing praise for him. The urgency in the lyrics, expressed through the repetition of the word "haste," encourages listeners to join and bring praise to the babe, who is none other than the son of Mary.
Moving to the second verse, the lyrics describe the humble surroundings in which this significant child is lying. It mentions that he is lying in a place where ox and ass are feeding, implying a stable or manger. The contrast between the majestic identity of the child as Christ the King and his meager environment raises questions and evokes a sense of wonder. The lyrics then address "Good Christian fear, for sinners here," suggesting that the presence of Jesus, the Word made flesh, should evoke both awe and fear in the hearts of believers. This silent Word, though not yet vocalized, is pleading with sinners, reaching out to them in love and redemption.
These lyrics from "What Child Is This" capture the awe-inspiring mystery and magnitude of the birth of Jesus. The song invites listeners to ponder the significance of the child lying on Mary's lap, recognized by both shepherds and angels as Christ the King. It emphasizes the urgent need to join in praising and bringing laud to this newborn, the son of Mary. The contrast between the humble surroundings and the commentary on sinners experiencing both fear and hope adds depth and complexity to the lyrics, inviting contemplation on the profound nature of Jesus' birth and his ultimate purpose in redeeming humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this who laid to rest
Who is this child that is peacefully sleeping
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Resting and peacefully sleeping on Mary's lap
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Whom angels welcome with beautiful songs
While shepherds watch are keeping
While shepherds carefully keep watch over
This, this is Christ the King
This, this is the King called Christ
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom shepherds protect and angels sing about
Haste, haste to bring him laud
Quickly, quickly come to bring him praise
The babe, the son of Mary
The little child, the son of Mary
Why lies he in such mean estate
Why does he lie in such a humble place
Where ox and ass are feeding
Where ox and donkeys are eating
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
Christian believers should feel awe, for sinners are here
The silent Word is pleading
The silent Word (Christ) is beseeching or advocating
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: William Mclaughlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind