What Child Is This?
Domingues & Ives Lyrics

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What child is this, who, laid to rest
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

The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myth
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

Overall Meaning

The song "What Child Is This?" is a beautiful and contemplative Christmas carol that invites the listener to ponder the wondrous miracle of the birth of Jesus. The lyrics describe the scene of Jesus' birth, with Mary holding him as he sleeps, surrounded by angels singing anthems and shepherds keeping watch. The song then proclaims that this is none other than Christ the King, the bringer of salvation, and invites all to come, from peasant to king, to worship him and enthrone him in their hearts.

The first verse sets the scene of the song, with the imagery of Mary holding Jesus on her lap, while the angels sing and the shepherds keep watch. The second verse shifts the focus to Jesus as the Christ, the King of kings, and the bringer of salvation. The third verse reiterates this theme and invites all to come and worship him, regardless of their social status.

The repetition of the chorus throughout the song serves to emphasize the central message of the song, that this is Christ the King, and that we should all hasten to bring him our adoration and worship.

Overall, the song presents a powerful and moving depiction of the miracle of Christmas, and serves as a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of the holiday.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child, peaceful and still, lying down to rest

On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Sleeping soundly on Mary's lap?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels greet this child with sweet songs

While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the shepherds watch over him?

This, this is Christ the King
This is the King, Christ himself

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Whom the shepherds protect and the angels celebrate

Haste, haste to bring him Lord
Quickly, let's bring him to the Lord

The Babe, the Son of Mary
The baby, the son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myth
Bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh

Come peasant, king, to own Him
All are welcome to claim him, whether poor or royal

The King of kings, salvation brings
The ruler of all, who brings salvation