What Child Is This
The London Philharmonic Orchestra And Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
O Raise, raise, the song on high,
His mother sings a lullaby:
Joy o joy for Christ is born,
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.
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.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
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.
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The first verse of the song "What Child Is This" sets a peaceful and serene tone, painting a picturesque image of a baby Jesus sleeping on Mary's lap. The second verse invites the listener to join in the angel's song of praise for the newborn king. The chorus of the song highlights the significance of the birth of Christ, declaring him as the king and calling for joyful celebration. The final verse of the song features the wise men as they bring gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh to the Christ child, symbolizing the ultimate surrender and devotion to the Messiah.
The lyrics of "What Child Is This" are set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song that dates back to the sixteenth century. The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements, and has been recorded by artists from a variety of genres. Despite its popularity, the song remains a staple of traditional Christmas music, reminding people of the humble beginnings of Jesus and the hope that his birth represents.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child is this, who laid to rest,
Who is the child sleeping peacefully and securely on Mary's lap?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
The blessed child is sleeping peacefully on Mary's lap.
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
The child is greeted by angels singing sweet, harmonious songs.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
The shepherds are watching over the child, keeping him safe and protected.
O Raise, raise, the song on high,
Sing loudly and joyfully, lift your voices to the heavens!
His mother sings a lullaby:
Mary sings a gentle, soothing melody to comfort her child.
Joy o joy for Christ is born,
A feeling of great joy and happiness comes with the birth of Christ.
The Babe, the Son of Mary
This child is the precious son of Mary.
This, this is Christ the King
The child is none other than Jesus Christ, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
The shepherds keep watch over this special child as the angels sing praises to him.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Quickly come and bring honor and praise to him.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Offerings of incense, gold, and myrrh are brought to this majestic child.
Come peasant, king to own Him.
Both peasants and kings alike come to claim him as their own.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Jesus, the King of Kings, brings salvation and redemption to people.
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
With hearts full of love and reverence, let us exalt and honor him.
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
This wonderful child is the beloved son of Mary.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID DELARGY, MIKE HEDGES, SALLY HERBERT, SALLI ISAAK, EUGENE O'HAGAN, MARTIN O'HAGAN, TRAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind