What Child Is This
The Brothers Four Lyrics


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What child is this who laid to rest
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
The babe, the son of Mary

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...

Overall Meaning

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.
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Comments from YouTube:

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

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