Greensleeves
Tony Elman 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
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, 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!
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
Raise, raise, the song on high
The Virgin sings her lullaby
Joy joy for Christ is born
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
"What Child Is This" is a Christmas hymn that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The opening verse begins with the question of who is this child that lies on Mary's lap while shepherds watch over him. The song goes on to discuss the significance of the infant and the symbolism of his humble surroundings, explaining that he is Christ the King and the savior of sinners. The lyrics also reflect on the Crucifixion, the gifts of the Wise Men and the rejoicing of Mary at the birth of Jesus.
The second verse of the song emphasizes the contrast between Jesus' lowly beginnings and his ultimate fate. The image of the "silent Word" pleading to sinners is a representation of Jesus taking on humanity and dying on the cross for the salvation of mankind. The crucifixion is referenced again in the third stanza with the lines, "Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through. The Cross be borne, for me, for you." This verse reminds listeners of the final sacrifice made by Jesus.
The final stanza celebrates the birth of Jesus and the reverence and gifts that should be given to Him. The references to incense, gold, and myrrh echo the gifts of the Magi and the idea that Jesus is a king worthy of tribute. The song concludes with a call to action, urging the listener to "raise the song on high" and rejoice for the arrival of Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
What Child is this, who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Who is this Child peacefully sleeping on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Why are the angels singing sweet hymns while the shepherds keep a watch on this Child?
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 is the King of the world, Jesus Christ, whom the shepherds protect and the angels praise. Let us hastily give Him praises for He is 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
Why is this King of Kings born in a manger where the ox and the donkey feed? Christians, beware, as the Word of God has come to plead for the sinners' salvation.
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!
Nails and a spear shall pierce Him on the Cross, for our sake. Hail the Word who became flesh! He is 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
Bring Him the gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh. Both peasants and kings should worship Him. The salvation that the King of Kings brings is deserving of our utmost love and devotion.
Raise, raise, the song on high
The Virgin sings her lullaby
Joy joy for Christ is born
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Sing the song of praise to the heavens! The Virgin Mary sings a lullaby to her Son, Christ, who has been born. Rejoice, for this Baby is the Son of Mary and the Savior of the world.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TOM HOWARD, WILLIAM C. DIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind