Crystal Gayle (born Brenda Gail Webb January 9, 1951) is an American countr… Read Full Bio ↴Crystal Gayle (born Brenda Gail Webb January 9, 1951) is an American country music singer, and is the sister of legendary country singer Loretta Lynn and distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless. In the late 70s and 80s, she had great pop crossover success with "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue", "Talking In Your Sleep" and "Half the Way". She is also famous for her nearly floor-length long hair and was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world in 1983.

While Gayle is the younger sister of Loretta Lynn, her musical sound is very different from Lynn's. Gayle's career began as country music moved towards a more pop-oriented sound in the 1970s, as exemplified by such performers as Lynn Anderson and Barbara Mandrell. Gayle's music reflects the modern Nashville sound.

What Child Is This?
Crystal Gayle Lyrics

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What child is this
Who lay to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch our keeping
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him grace

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
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him grace
The babe, the son of Mary

This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him grace

The babe, the son of Mary
The babe, the son of Mary

Overall Meaning

In Crystal Gayle's rendition of "What Child Is This?" she beautifully captures the essence of the Christmas story. The song begins by questioning the identity of the child lying peacefully in Mary's lap. It reflects the amazement and wonder of the shepherds who are watching over this child while angels sing joyous anthems in his honor. The lyrics express the significance of this child, referring to him as Christ the King, the savior who brings salvation.

The song then transitions, calling for gifts to be brought to the child, reminiscent of the wise men who, according to the biblical story, presented the baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The lyrics symbolize the humble birth of Jesus, referring to him as the "peasant King," highlighting the irony of the King of Kings being born in a lowly manger.

Ultimately, "What Child Is This?" emphasizes the message of the Christmas story - that the baby Jesus, born to Mary, is the Messiah, worthy of adoration and love. The lyrics encourage listeners to hasten and bring him grace, recognizing the significance of his birth and his role in bringing salvation to the world.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this
Who is this child

Who lay to rest
Who peacefully lies

On Mary's lap is sleeping
Sleeping on Mary's lap

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Whom angels welcome with joyful songs

While shepherds watch our keeping
While shepherds guard and protect

This, this is Christ the King
This, this is the King, Jesus Christ

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom shepherds protect and angels praise

Haste, haste to bring him grace
Quickly, quickly bring him blessings

The babe, the son of Mary
The infant, the child of Mary

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh
Therefore, offer him fragrant spices, precious metals, and fragrant resin

Come peasant King to own him
Come, humble King, to acknowledge him

The King of Kings salvation brings
The Savior, the King of all, brings salvation

Let loving hearts enthrone him
Allow loving hearts to honor and exalt him

The babe, the son of Mary
The infant, the child of Mary

This, this is Christ the King
This, this is the King, Jesus Christ

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom shepherds protect and angels praise

Haste, haste to bring him grace
Quickly, quickly bring him blessings

The babe, the son of Mary
The infant, the child of Mary

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOUGLAS E WAGNER, WILLIAM C DIX

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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