They left for San Francisco in 1959, where they met Mort Lewis, Dave Brubeck's manager. Lewis became their manager and later that year secured them a contract with Columbia Records. Their second single, "Greenfields," released in January 1960, hit #2 on the pop charts, and their first album, Brothers Four, released toward the end of the year, made the top 20. Other highlights of their early career included singing their fourth single, "The Green Leaves of Summer," from the John Wayne movie The Alamo, at the 1961 Academy Awards, and having their second album, BMOC/Best Music On/Off Campus, go top 10. They also recorded the theme song for the ABC television series Hootenanny, "Hootenanny Saturday Night," in 1963.
The British Invasion and the ascendance of such folk musicians as Bob Dylan put an end to the Brothers Four's early period of success, but they kept performing and making records, doing particularly well in Japan and on the American hotel circuit.
The band attempted a comeback by recording a highly commercial version of Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man." But the band was unable to release it because of licensing issues, and The Byrds eventually stole their thunder by releasing their heralded version.
Mike Kirkland left the group in 1969, and was replaced by Mark Pearson, another University of Washington alumnus. In 1971, Pearson left and was replaced by Bob Haworth, who stayed until 1989 and was replaced by a returning Pearson. Dick Foley left the group in 1990 and was replaced by Terry Lauber. Despite all the changes and having spent 47 years in the business, the group is still active today (2004).
What Child Is This
The Brothers Four Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels great with anthem sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This, this is Christ the son
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Joy Joy for Christ is born
So bring Him incense, gold, and myhr
Come peasant king to own Him
The King of Kings, salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Raise, raise the song on high
The virgin sings her lullabye
Joy Joy for Christ is born
The babe, the son of Mary...
The lyrics to The Brothers Four's song What Child is This offer a reverent and contemplative view of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by describing the scene of Christ's birth, with Mary holding baby Jesus in her lap while angels sing and shepherds watch over them. The chorus declares Christ to be the son of God, whom shepherds and angels alike celebrate. The final verse calls for those who come to worship the newborn King to bring Him offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh, and concludes with an invitation to all loving hearts to enthrone Him as the King of Kings.
The lyrics to What Child is This have been set to several different melodies over the years, including the popular Christmas tune "Greensleeves," which originated as a traditional English folk song. The lyrics were written by English poet William Chatterton Dix in 1865, and first appeared in print as a poem entitled "The Manger Throne." The song has since become a beloved Christmas classic, performed by countless artists in a wide range of styles.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this who laid to rest
Who is this child who is at peace and resting
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Sleeping on the lap of Mary
Whom angels great with anthem sweet
Angels sing a sweet song of praise for this child
While shepherds watch are keeping
While the shepherds are watching over
This, this is Christ the son
This child is Jesus Christ, the son of God
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The shepherds are protecting and the angels are singing for Christ
Joy Joy for Christ is born
Celebrate with joy, for Christ has been born
The babe, the son of Mary
The newborn baby is Mary's son
So bring Him incense, gold, and myhr
Offer Him precious gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant king to own Him
Even a peasant can come and claim Jesus as their king
The King of Kings, salvation brings
He is the ultimate king who brings salvation
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
May all loving hearts make Him their king
Raise, raise the song on high
Sing a song of praise loudly
The virgin sings her lullabye
Mary sings a soothing song to her baby
Joy Joy for Christ is born
Celebrate with joy, for Christ has been born
The babe, the son of Mary
The newborn baby is Mary's son
Contributed by Kaylee C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CAngel57ful
This is the version of the song that I grew up with. Thanks for uploading this beautiful song.
ranger9826
i had this record as a kid and loved this song thank for posting this bought back a lot of memories
MsDancesongs
The definitive version of this carol. Thanks, five stars :))
Ed Colby
We had this album when I was a kid (40+ years ago). Thanks for posting this song.
JM971
I used to listen to this song from a Mexican version from the Goodyear record. I remember it very warmly. Thanks for share it with everybody.
Geneviève de Lacy
This song is an anonymous song from the 15th century during the Middle age in Europe.
Merci beaucoup et greetings to you all from Paris..........
Jocelyn O. Pillena
with lyrics