When Naomi Judd found herself pregnant, she quickly got married but not to the father of her first child, daughter Christina Ciminella. Christina, born May 30, 1964, became known as Wynonna Judd when the mother-daughter duo stormed the country charts in the 1980s.
After Naomi Judd divorced, she moved from Hollywood, back to Morrill, Ky., with Wynonna and another daughter Ashley. There, she worked as a nurse in a local infirmary. Outside working and school hours, she and the children would sing anything from bluegrass to showbiz standards for their own amusement. However, when Wynonna nurtured aspirations to be a professional entertainer, her mother lent her encouragement, to the extent of moving the family to Nashville in 1979. Naomi's contralto subtly underlined Wynonna's tuneful drawl.
In addition to many performances on Ralph Emery's morning television show, Naomi elicited an audition for RCA Records while tending a hospitalized relation of label producer Brent Maher. With a past that read like a Judith Krantz novel, the Judds -- so the executives considered -- would have more than an even chance in the country market. An exploratory mini-album, which contained proved the executives correct. The single "Had a Dream (From the Heart)" peaked at No. 17 in 1984. Later that year, the Judds scored their first of 14 No. 1 hits with "Mama He's Crazy."
Self-composed songs included Naomi's 1989 composition "Change of Heart," dedicated to her future second husband (and former Elvis Presley backing vocalist) Larry Strickland. Meanwhile, Maher co-wrote hits such as 1985's Grammy-winning "Why Not Me," "Turn It Loose," "Girls Night Out," "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Ol' Days)" and "Rockin' With the Rhythm of the Rain."
Most Judds records exhibited an acoustic bias and a penchant for star guests that included the Jordanaires on "Don't Be Cruel," Emmylou Harris on "The Sweetest Gift," Mark Knopfler on his "Water of Love" and Bonnie Raitt playing slide guitar on the album Love Can Build a Bridge. In 1988, the pair became the first female country act to found their own booking agency (Pro-Tours), but a chronic hepatitis infection forced Naomi to retire from the concert stage two years later.
The Judds toured America in a series of farewell concerts before Wynonna began her solo career. Wynonna got off to a strong start, as her first two singles both went to #1. Her 1994 single "Girls With Guitars" featured Naomi (as well as Lyle Lovett) on backup vocals.
In 1998, The Judds appeared in a commercial for the retail chain Kmart, singing Wynonna's single "Woman To Woman".
In 1999, Wynonna reunited with her mother for a New Year's Eve concert in Phoenix. The following year, the duo recorded four new tracks for a bonus disc issued with Wynonna's album New Day Dawning, and undertook a multi-city tour. The results were issued as the album Reunion Live. A 2004 single, "Flies On The Butter (You Can't Go Home Again)" was recorded with Naomi; however, the single was credited as "Wynonna with Naomi Judd" instead of "The Judds".
What Child Is This?
The Judds 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
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, 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
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
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Joy, joy, for Christ is born
The babe, the son of Mary
The Judds's song "What Child Is This?" is a classic Christmas carol that narrates the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the scene with Mary, mother of Jesus, holding him in her lap as he sleeps peacefully. The angels sing sweet anthems while the shepherds, who guarded their flocks by night, bear witness to this blessed event.
The chorus reveals that the child sleeping in Mary's lap is Christ, the King, whom the shepherds and angels alike recognize as holy. The lyrics further describe how Jesus lay in a humble manger amidst an ox and ass. The song calls for Christians to fear for sinners and heed Christ's silent word, which is pleading for redemption.
The last stanza of the song urges listeners to bring incense, gold, and myrrh to honor the babe, the son of Mary. It again emphasizes the Christ's importance as the King of Kings, who brings salvation to the world. The lyrics end with a note of joy for Christ's birth, calling all to celebrate.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who laid to rest
Who is this child who is peacefully sleeping?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Why is the child sleeping on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The angels welcome the child with beautiful songs.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Why are the shepherds keeping watch?
This, this is Christ the King
This child is Jesus, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The shepherds protect him while angels praise Him.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Quickly come and worship Him.
The babe, the son of Mary
He is a baby and the son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Why is He lying in such a humble place?
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Why is He in a stable with animals?
Good Christians, fear for sinners here
Christians should be concerned for the sinners who are unaware.
The silent word is pleading
Christ calls quietly for attention and for sinners to repent.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh
Offer Him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant king to own Him
All are welcome, even a poor peasant, to accept Him as King.
The King of Kings, salvation brings
Jesus is the highest King, and brings salvation to His followers.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Invite Him to rule in our hearts with love and devotion.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born
Celebrate and be joyful, for Christ has been born.
The babe, the son of Mary
This is the child of Mary, who is born as a baby.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOUGLAS E WAGNER, WILLIAM C DIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind