Paul Brandt is a multi-platinum Canadian country artist whose big break in … Read Full Bio ↴Paul Brandt is a multi-platinum Canadian country artist whose big break in music came in 1996 when he already had a successful career as a pediatric registered nurse working at the Alberta Children's Hospital in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta. He now holds the title of the most awarded male country singer in Canadian history, having many of his singles as well as albums in general gain extensive popularity. The single in particular that drove him to international success was "My Heart Has A History" from his debut album Calm Before The Storm, which earned him chart topping album status. He went on to make six additional albums, the most recent being "A Gift", which was released in November of 2006, and is comprised of Christmas tracks as well as a remake of his chart topping hit "Convoy". Paul Brandt currently resides back home in Calgary with his wife, Elizabeth, as well as with his two dogs, Sampson and Bai-Leigh, and cat, Hank. Aside from his musical career, Paul Brandt has a remarkable involvement in many charity and other good samaritan programs, such as World Vision, a highly successful Christian relief and development organization that focuses on alleviating poverty.

What Child Is This?
Paul Brandt 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
Whome 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

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

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Paul Brandt's "What Child Is This?" describe the awe and wonder surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse begins with the question of who this sleeping child, lying in Mary's lap, might be. The surrounding shepherds witness angels singing and greeting the child with "anthems sweet," creating a surreal and holy experience. The following verse brings attention to the irony of the baby's humble surroundings, being born in a manger where oxen and donkeys are feeding. The hymn evokes a feeling of empathy and Christian love, asking the listener to remember the silent word being pleaded for the sinners, and encourages them to work towards a better world. The final verse concludes with an invitation to bring this child gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh, and to recognize him as the King of Kings. The lyrics of "What Child Is This" remind listeners that Jesus Christ's birth was a miraculous and special moment in history, worthy of celebration and praise.

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
He is resting on the lap of his mother, Mary.

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Angels sing sweet songs to greet him.

While shepherds watch are keeping
Shepherds are watching over him with care.

This, this is Christ the King
This baby is Jesus, the King of all.

Whome shepherds guard and angels sing
He is being watched over by shepherds and sung to by angels.

Haste, haste to bring him laud
Hurry to praise him with all your heart.

The babe the son of Mary
He is the baby boy, son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is he sleeping in such a humble place?

Where ox and ass are feeding
He is in the presence of these animals who are eating beside him.

Good Christian fear for sinners here
Christians should fear for the sins they have committed.

The silent word is pleading
Jesus is silently pleading for their salvation.

So bring Him incense gold and myrrh
Offer him gifts of incense, gold and myrrh.

Come peasant King to own Him
Come, humble King, to acknowledge him as your Lord.

The King of Kings salvation brings
He is the savior and brings salvation to all.

Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Let our hearts be filled with love for him and honor him as our King.

The babe the son of Mary
He is the baby boy, son of Mary.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Douglas E Wagner, William C Dix

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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