What Child is This?
Canterbury Choristers & Dr. Newell B. Wright Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was a hum-drum person
Leading a life apart
When love flew in through my window wide
And quickened my hum-drum heart
Love flew in through my window
I was so happy then
But after love had stayed a little while
Love flew out again

What is this thing called love?
This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve its mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?
I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw my heart away
That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?

You gave me days of sunshine
You gave me nights of cheer
You made my life an enchanted dream
'Til somebody else came near
Somebody else came near you
I felt the winter's chill




And now I sit and wonder night and day
Why I love you still

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "What Child is This?" by Canterbury Choristers & Dr. Newell B. Wright talk about the perplexing nature of love. The singer used to live a dull and ordinary life, but love came into their life unexpectedly and revitalized their heart. However, just as quickly as love flew in through their window, it flew back out again, leaving the singer questioning what love really is and why it can make a person feel like a fool.


The chorus questions the audience about love, asking who can really solve its mystery and why it can make a person feel so vulnerable. The singer reflects on a specific instance where they saw someone they loved and had their heart broken. Despite this heartbreak, the singer still wonders why they love this person who caused them so much pain.


Overall, the song captures the complex emotions of love, from the initial excitement to the pain and confusion that can come with it.


Line by Line Meaning

I was a hum-drum person
I led a monotonous life


Leading a life apart
Living a life of solitude


When love flew in through my window wide
I found love unexpectedly


And quickened my hum-drum heart
Love made me feel exceptional


Love flew in through my window
Love came when I least expected it


I was so happy then
Love made me incredibly happy


But after love had stayed a little while
My happiness did not last


Love flew out again
Love left as quickly as it came


What is this thing called love?
Love is a curious and perplexing feeling


This funny thing called love?
Love is mysterious and unusual


Just who can solve its mystery?
Love's secrets are unfathomable


Why should it make a fool of me?
Love can make someone appear foolish


I saw you there one wonderful day
You crossed my path and caught my eye


You took my heart and threw my heart away
You captured my heart and then broke it


That's why I ask the Lawd up in Heaven above
I turn to the Almighty for answers


What is this thing called love?
My heart is still trying to understand love


You gave me days of sunshine
With you, life was joyful and bright


You gave me nights of cheer
You brought happiness to my life


You made my life an enchanted dream
You made my life seem like a fairytale


'Til somebody else came near
Until another person entered your life


Somebody else came near you
Someone else caught your attention


I felt the winter's chill
My heart was left feeling cold


And now I sit and wonder night and day
I ponder why I still love you


Why I love you still
Despite it all, my heart still beats for you




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found