What Child Is This?
Earth Wind & Fire 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 laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.




The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "What Child Is This?" speak of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, and the importance of recognizing and worshipping him. It begins by asking the question "What child is this?" as it describes the scene of Mary holding her sleeping baby on her lap. The angels greet him with sweet songs, and the shepherds keep watch over him. The song identifies him as Christ the King, emphasizing his divine nature.


The second verse of the song shifts the focus to the location of the birth, and why the baby is lying in such a humble setting where ox and ass are feeding. The birth of Jesus took place in a stable, which was a symbol of the poverty and humility with which he entered the world. The song acknowledges that even in this lowly state, the "silent Word is pleading" for the redemption of sinners.


The final verse of "What Child Is This?" calls on all people, regardless of social status, to come and offer gifts to the new king. The three gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh are said to represent Jesus' role as both king and savior. The song encourages us to enthrone him in our hearts with loving devotion, recognizing him as the King of kings who brings salvation to all.


Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
Who is this child peacefully sleeping?


On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Resting on the lap of Mary.


Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
A child so precious that angels sing to greet him.


While shepherds watch are keeping?
Shepherds are watching over this child with care.


This, this is Christ the King,
This is the Savior, who is also a King.


Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Whom shepherds are protecting and angels are rejoicing over.


Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Hurry to praise and worship him.


The babe, the son of Mary.
Mary's son, who is still a young baby.


Why lies he in such mean estate
Why is he close to such humble surroundings?


Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where even farm animals are present.


Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
Be aware, Christian, that despite his humble beginning, Jesus is here to save sinners.


The silent Word is pleading.
Jesus, who is the Word of God, is trying to communicate through his silence.


So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Offer valuable gifts like incense, gold, and myrrh to honor him.


Come, peasant, king, to own him.
Everyone, regardless of status, should acknowledge him.


The King of kings salvation brings,
Jesus, who is the King of all kings, brings salvation.


Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Allow your heart to worship and exalt him.




Lyrics © DistroKid, 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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Comments from YouTube:

@t.y.l_almp2827

I love this song, I don’t understand why it’s so underrated

@holliburns1823

Calling all Angels.....??? Magnificent! 💕✝️🕎✝️

@notinselfies9369

So original. I would never have paired EWF sound with this. It is really good!

@maureendevries1904

My favorite Christmas song.

@commanderwatchman9994

Outstanding!👍🏾👍🏾💪🏾💪🏾🇺🇸

@CesarAndres96

Amazing !

@RussianinNewJersey

EWF Forever!!

@aurabritto2462

.
J U S T W O N D E R F U L !!!

Thank you .

God bless .
.

@onejillpickle

Love it!!!!

@kevinchang

im the 7th comment and wow, what an underrated song

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