Greensleeves
Stuart & Sarah Lyrics


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What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with voices sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him praise
The Babe, the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant king to praise Him
The King of kings, of glory brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Raise, raise the song on high
Let singing fill, the earth and sky
Joy, joy, for Christ is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with voices sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds watch and angels sing




Haste, haste to bring him praise
The Babe, the Son of Mary

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Greensleeves" by Stuart & Sarah delve into the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song reflects upon the scene of the infant Jesus lying in Mary's arms and sleeping peacefully. The lyrics begin by questioning the identity of the child, emphasizing the tender and innocent portrayal of Jesus as he rests in Mary's lap. The imagery of angels singing and shepherds watching over Jesus conveys a sense of awe and reverence surrounding the miraculous event of his birth.


As the song progresses, it calls upon listeners to come and pay homage to the newborn Christ, urging them to bring gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh just as the Three Wise Men did. The reference to the peasant king in the lyrics highlights the paradoxical nature of Jesus' birth as a humble child who is also recognized as the King of kings. The song emphasizes the theme of worship and adoration, portraying Jesus as deserving of praise and glory from all, regardless of social status or wealth.


The repeated questioning in the lyrics, "What child is this," serves as a refrain that reinforces the central focus on the identity of Jesus as the Christ, the promised Messiah. The imagery of angels singing and shepherds keeping watch further emphasizes the divine and celestial nature of Jesus' birth, underscoring the belief in his significance and divine mission. The urgency conveyed in the lines, "Haste, haste to bring him praise," underscores the call to action to honor and celebrate the birth of the Christ child.


Overall, the lyrics of "Greensleeves" in Stuart & Sarah's rendition capture the essence of the nativity story, inviting listeners to join in the joy and celebration of Jesus' birth. The song beautifully weaves together themes of reverence, adoration, and the universal significance of the newborn Christ, portraying him as the central figure deserving of praise and worship. Through its poetic language and evocative imagery, the song conveys a powerful message of the profound impact of Jesus' birth on both earthly realms and heavenly realms, encapsulating the spirit of Christmas and the timeless story of the Savior's arrival.


Line by Line Meaning

What child is this, who, laid to rest
Who is this child peacefully resting


On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Resting on Mary's lap, peacefully asleep?


Whom angels greet with voices sweet
Whom angels welcome with gentle voices


While shepherds watch are keeping?
As the shepherds keep watch


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


Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Protected by shepherds and celebrated by angels


Haste, haste to bring him praise
Quickly come to offer him praise


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


So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Present Him with incense, gold, and myrrh


Come peasant king to praise Him
Even humble kings come to worship Him


The King of kings, of glory brings
The highest king brings glory


Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Let adoring hearts honor Him


Raise, raise the song on high
Lift the song higher and higher


Let singing fill, the earth and sky
Let the music fill the earth and sky


Joy, joy, for Christ is born
Celebrate, for Christ is born


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




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SARAH MCLACHLAN, TRADITIONAL, PIERRE MARCHAND

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