Greensleeves
The Band Of The Blues And Royals 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.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne, for me, for you:
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
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.

Raise, raise, the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Band Of The Blues And Royals's song Greensleeves are a retelling of the nativity story, with a focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse describes the newborn child lying in Mary's lap, watched over by angels and shepherds. The second verse creates a sense of foreboding with the lines "Why lies He in such mean estate / Where ox and ass are feeding?" The answer to this question lies in the third verse, which introduces the concept of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, as symbolized by the nails and spear that will pierce him.

The fourth verse returns to the joyous tone of the first, with a suggestion of the gifts brought by the wise men: "So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh." The final verse describes the scene in Bethlehem more broadly, with the joyousness of the occasion reflected by "Joy joy for Christ is born." Throughout the lyrics, there is an emphasis on Jesus as the King of Kings, who deserves the praises of both peasants and kings alike.

Line by Line Meaning

What Child is this, who laid to rest,
Who is this child who is resting?

On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Sleeping on the lap of Mary?

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

While shepherds watch are keeping?
While the shepherds keep watch?

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

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
The shepherds guard him, and the angels sing about him

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Quickly come and praise him

The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This is the baby, the Son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is he lying in a lowly place

Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where the ox and donkey are eating?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
Good Christian, be afraid because sinners are here