Nalle assisted Troccoli in her career, helping the young artist record demos which would be given to Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell (Amy Grant's brother-in-law), who formed the Reunion label to start her career in 1982 with Stubborn Love, A second album, Heart and Soul, was released in 1984 and gave her first Grammy nomination a year later, followed by Images in 1986. Troccoli also provided backing vocal for Taylor Dayne's song "I'll Be Your Shelter" in 1989/1990.
Miss Troccoli moved at age three and was raised in the East Islip community in Long Island, and graduated from East Islip High School, where as a senior, fellow classmates included fellow CCM artist Margaret Becker (a junior) and three-sport star Norman Esiason, Jr, a freshman. At 15, she lost her father to colon cancer. She also lost her mother to breast cancer in 1991, shortly before her album, Pure Attraction, hit the shelves with her number one mainstream hit, "Everything Changes". Before this album came out, she had taken a five year break from the music world to do some "soul searching" and deal with her bulimia.
After her mother's death, she paired with Reunion again in 1991 with Pure Attraction, which launched her on the national charts was "Everything Changes." But ironically, it was "Help Myself To You" which became her first #1 hit in her ten-year career, and began a string of GMA Music Awards nominations, including numerous attempts at Female Vocalist.
Numerous hit songs came afterwards, including 1994's "My Life Is in Your Hands", a song written with Bill Montvilo which defined her career, and inspired the eponymous devotional book, written in 1997, and 1995's "Go Light Your World," which gave us the rise of writer Chris Rice, and was used for charity efforts that year.
In 1996, Troccoli was featured on the Beach Boys' now out-of-print album "Stars and Stripes Vol. 1" singing lead vocals on a cover of their 1969 song "I Can Hear Music" (itself a cover of a Phil Spector song). The Beach Boys sing on the track as well, providing harmonies and backing vocals.
What Child Is This?
Kathy Troccoli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Come rich and poor to own Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
This, this is Christ my King
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing
Haste, haste, to bring Him
Praise the Babe, the Son of Mary
The Babe, the Son of Mary
In Kathy Troccoli's rendition of the traditional Christmas carol "What Child Is This?", the lyrics delve into the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by questioning the identity of the child that is peacefully resting on Mary's lap. This child, who is the focus of the angels' joyful songs and observed by shepherds, is none other than Christ the King.
The chorus of the song reinforces the significance and divinity of this baby. He is the one the shepherds keep watch over and the one the angels chant praises for. The lyrics implore listeners to be quick in offering their own praises and adoration to this wondrous child, who is both the babe and the son of Mary.
As the song progresses, it urges people from all walks of life, regardless of their material wealth, to present gifts to this newborn king. The specific gifts mentioned are incense, gold, and myrrh, which hold symbolic meaning. Incense, often used in religious ceremonies, represents worship and adoration. Gold, as a precious metal, signifies royalty and honors the majesty of the newborn king. Myrrh, traditionally used for embalming, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make for humanity.
The lyrics then emphasize that this child is the King of Kings, who brings salvation to all. It calls upon loving hearts to enthrone him, meaning to acknowledge his authority and sovereignty in their lives. The song reminds us that Jesus Christ is not only the babe born to Mary but also the son of God, carrying with him the purpose of salvation and redemption.
Overall, Kathy Troccoli's interpretation of "What Child Is This?" beautifully captures the awe and reverence surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. It prompts listeners to reflect on the significance of this child and to offer their heartfelt praises and adoration. It highlights that this child is not just an ordinary baby but the King of Kings, bringing salvation and deserving to be enthroned in our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child is this who laid to rest
Who is this Child who peacefully lies down
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Resting on Mary's lap, peacefully sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet
Whom the Angels welcome with joyful songs
While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the shepherds stand guard and watch?
This, this is Christ the King
This, this is the Christ, the King
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing
The One whom the shepherds protect and the Angels sing about
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud
Quickly, quickly, come and offer Him praise
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The little Child, the Son of Mary
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Bring Him offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh
Come rich and poor to own Him
Everyone, regardless of wealth, should acknowledge Him
The King of Kings salvation brings
The King of Kings brings salvation
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
May loving hearts enthrone Him
This, this is Christ my King
This, this is my Christ, my King
Haste, haste, to bring Him
Quickly, quickly, come and bring Him
Praise the Babe, the Son of Mary
Praise the little Child, the Son of Mary
The Babe, the Son of Mary
The little Child, the Son of Mary
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Douglas E Wagner, William C Dix
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind