What Child Is This
Dean Martin Bing Crosby & Nat King Cole 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 Lord
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 Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him Lord
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The lyrics of the song "What Child Is This" speak of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first stanza describes the scene of Jesus sleeping in Mary’s lap, with angels watching over him as the shepherds keep a close eye. The second stanza introduces Jesus as the King, whom the shepherds protect and the angels sing glory to. The third stanza encourages everyone, from the peasant to the king, to come and worship the new King who brings salvation to all. The final stanza repeats the chorus, inviting all to come quickly and bring the newborn King their worship.
The song captures the essence of the nativity story as told in the Bible with vivid imagery and emotive language. The song speaks of the awe and wonder surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ and invites all listeners to celebrate and worship the newborn King. The use of repetition throughout the song emphasizes the importance of the message and the urgency to come and worship the Christ child.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this who, laid to rest
Who is this child who is peacefully sleeping?
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Resting on the lap of Mary, the child is sleeping.
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels sing sweet songs to welcome this child.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
The shepherds are watching over the child.
This, this is Christ the King
This child is the King, the savior of all.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The shepherds are protecting the child and the angels are singing for him.
Haste, haste to bring him Lord
Quickly, bring him to the Lord.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The baby, who is Mary's son.
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come, peasant, king, to own Him
Everyone, from peasant to king, should accept him as their own.
The King of kings salvation brings
This King brings salvation to all, including other kings.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Devoted hearts should crown him as their King.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, HOPE PUBLISHING COMPANY, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave
Written by: . DP, JAMES F. HAMMERLY, WILLIAM CHATTERTON DIX, HAL H. HOPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind