Ives began his career as an itinerant singer and guitarist, eventually launching his own radio show, The Wayfaring Stranger, which popularized traditional folk songs. In 1942, he appeared in Irving Berlin's This Is the Army and became a major star of CBS Radio. In the 1960s, he successfully crossed over into country music, recording hits such as "A Little Bitty Tear" and "Funny Way of Laughin'". Ives was also a popular film actor through the late 1940s and '50s. His film roles included parts in So Dear to My Heart (1948) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), as well as the role of Rufus Hannassey in The Big Country (1958), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Ives is often associated with the Christmas season. He did voice-over work as Sam the Snowman, narrator of the classic 1964 Christmas television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Ives also worked on the special's soundtrack, including the songs "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", both of which continue to chart annually on the Billboard holiday charts into the 2020s.
What Child Is This
Burl Ives Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthem sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This is Christ the Lord
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
This is Christ the Lord
Whom shepards guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrh
Come peasant king to own Him
The King of Kings, salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
This is Christ the Lord
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary
Burl Ives's song What Child is This is a beautiful and meaningful Christmas carol that has been a favorite among many generations. The lyrics describe the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born in a humble manger in Bethlehem. The first stanza asks the question, "What child is this who laid to rest On Mary's lap is sleeping?" and the second stanza answers, "This is Christ the Lord, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing, Haste, haste to bring him laud, The babe, the son of Mary." The third stanza urges people to offer gifts to the newborn king, "So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant king to own Him, The King of Kings, salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him."
Through the lyrics, the carol captures the essence of the Christian faith and reminds us that the birth of Jesus Christ is not only a historical event but a significant spiritual one. The carol reflects the joy and wonder that is often associated with the birth of a newborn child. But it also presents a somber tone when it refers to the humble circumstances of His birth and the pleading of the silent Word for good Christian fear. The carol, as a whole, emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this who laid to rest
Who is this child lying peaceful and still?
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Resting securely in his mother's embrace
Whom angels greet with anthem sweet
Who is welcomed by angels singing a lovely song
While shepherds watch are keeping
As shepherds stand guard, keeping watch over the newborn
This is Christ the Lord
This is the Son of God, the Savior
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The newborn is watched over by shepherds and celebrated by angels
Haste, haste to bring him laud
Quick, quick, we must give him praise
The babe, the son of Mary
The tiny newborn, Mary's son
Why lies he in such mean estate
Why is he placed in such a humble setting?
Where ox and ass are feeding
In a place where oxen and donkeys eat
Good Christian fear, for sinners here
As Christians, we must show reverence because he is here to save sinners
The silent Word is pleading
He is calling out to us in silence, asking for redemption
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrh
Bring him precious gifts like incense, gold and myrrh
Come peasant king to own Him
Even a poor person can offer him love and devotion
The King of Kings, salvation brings
Our Lord is the ultimate ruler, who brings us salvation
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Let us make Him feel loved and honored, like royalty on his throne
Contributed by Jackson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Zapperon1
An amaing song!!!