What Child Is This?
The Everly Brothers and the Boystown Choir Lyrics
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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.
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.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
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 sing her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
"What Child Is This" is a Christmas carol originally written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix. The song was later set to the traditional English tune "Greensleeves," which gives it a gentle and haunting melody. The lyrics tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on the significance of his humble arrival.
The first verse begins by painting a serene picture of the newborn child resting in Mary's lap. The angels come to greet him with sweet anthems while the shepherds keep watch over him. The lyrics then present the child as Christ the King, emphasizing his divine nature and the reverence that should be shown to him. The urgency to praise and honor him is evident as the line urges to "haste, haste to bring him laud."
In the second verse, the focus shifts to the paradoxical circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. The child lies in a lowly manger where even animals are present, yet this is the Word made flesh, the Savior of sinners. The lyrics allude to Jesus' future crucifixion with the lines "Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the Cross be borne for me, for you." This somber reminder serves as a contrast to the joyous occasion of his birth.
The final verse of the song continues the theme of acknowledging the child's significance. People from all walks of life are invited to bring him gifts, including incense, gold, and myrrh. The lyrics suggest that both peasants and kings should recognize him as the King of kings and offer him their devotion. The song concludes with a call to raise the song on high, celebrating the birth of Christ and the fulfillment of God's salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
Who is this child, peacefully sleeping?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Resting on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
Whom angels joyfully welcome with sweet songs,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
While shepherds diligently keep watch?
This, this is Christ the King,
This, indeed, is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Whom shepherds protect and angels celebrate:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Quickly, quickly come to praise Him,
The babe, the son of Mary.
This newborn, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Why does He lie in a lowly condition?
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Where the ox and the donkey feed?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
Beloved Christian, be afraid, for sinners in this world
The silent Word is pleading.
The quiet Word is making a plea.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
Nails and a spear will pierce Him deeply,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
He will carry the Cross for both you and me;
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
Greetings, greetings, to the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This child, the Son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Therefore, bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
Regardless of your status or title, come and acknowledge Him.
the King of kings salvation brings,
The Savior, who is the greatest among all kings, brings salvation,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Allow loving hearts to enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
Lift up, lift up the song to the heavens,
The Virgin sing her lullaby:
As the Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
Rejoice, rejoice, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This child, the Son of Mary.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Roba Music Verlag GMBH, Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: . DP, JAMES F. HAMMERLY, WILLIAM CHATTERTON DIX, HAL H. HOPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kennethpeterson7240
I have ALWAYS loved this. Thank you.