Greensleeves
The Ray Conniff Singers Lyrics
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Who meant to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping
Who angels greet with anthem sweet
While shepherds watch our keeping
This, this is Christ, the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
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
Nails fierce shall pierce him through
The cross be borne for me, for you
Hail, hail, the word made flesh
Obeyed 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
Praise Him, Son of joy
Joy to the risen Lord
Praise Him, Son of joy
Joy to the risen Lord
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 lyrics of "Greensleeves" by The Ray Conniff Singers are a rendition of the traditional Christmas carol, "What Child Is This?" The lines speculate on who the baby in Mary's lap is, and why he is so special that angels would greet him with a "sweet anthem." The answer, ultimately, is that this child is Christ the King, the salvation bringer, as the shepherds and angels are singing.
The first verse of the song emphasizes that this baby is resting in the lap of the Virgin Mary, and the humble shepherds are the first to greet him with awe and reverence, celebrating his birth with music that's fit for a king. The second verse calls for the peasant kings to come and pay homage to the King of kings, bringing him gifts of incense, gold and myrrh. The third verse prophesizes the suffering of Christ, prophesying the piercing of nails through his flesh and the bearing of the cross for the redemption of humanity.
The final verse speaks of the joy of Christ's resurrection, calling for his praise to be sung by all who believe in him. Overall, the song is a declaration of faith in Christ as the savior of the world, a celebration of his birth, life, and sacrifice for humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this?
Who is this baby lying on Mary's lap?
Who meant to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping
The baby who was meant to come and rest on Mary's lap is sleeping there now
Who angels greet with anthem sweet
The angels greet this baby with a sweet song
While shepherds watch our keeping
The shepherds are watching over us
This, this is Christ, the King
This baby is the Christ, the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The shepherds are guarding Him and the angels are singing for Him
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Hurry, let's bring Him praise
The babe, the Son of Mary
This baby is the Son of Mary
So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
Let's bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh
Come peasant King to own him
All people, including peasants, should acknowledge Him as their King
The King of kings, salvation brings
He is the king of all kings and He brings salvation
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
We should enthrone Him in our loving hearts
Nails fierce shall pierce him through
He will be nailed to the cross
The cross be borne for me, for you
He will bear the cross for all of us
Hail, hail, the word made flesh
The Word of God has become flesh
Obeyed the Son of Mary
We should obey the Son of Mary
Praise Him, Son of joy
Let's praise this Son of joy
Joy to the risen Lord
There is joy in the Lord who has risen
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ray Conniff
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind