What Child Is This?
Trad. (Holiday) Lyrics
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This funny thing called love?
Just who can solve its mystery?
Why should it make a fool of me?
I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw it away
That's why I ask the Lord in Heaven above
I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw it away
That's why I ask the Lord in Heaven above
What is this thing called love?
It appears that there has been a mistake in the lyrics provided. The lyrics mentioned, "What is this thing called love?" belong to the jazz standard written by Cole Porter and not to the Christmas Carol "What Child Is This?" Trad. (Holiday)'s song "What Child Is This?" is a popular Christmas Carol that is sung to the tune of "Greensleeves," a traditional English folk song. The lyrics of the song focus on the birth of Jesus Christ and the visit of the three wise men.
"What Child Is This?" is a Christian hymn that is typically sung during the Christmas season. The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the hymn, asking the question "What child is this who laid to rest?" The second verse provides the answer, describing the child as "Mary's baby" who is also the "King of Kings". The final verse calls on all people to "raise, raise the song on high" in honor of the newborn king.
The song gained its popularity in the 19th century after William Chatterton Dix wrote the lyrics to the melody of "Greensleeves". The origin of the melody is uncertain, but it is believed to have been composed in the 16th century. The carol has been covered by several musicians and has been a popular Christmas song in the United States since the 20th century.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Who is this child that is peacefully sleeping on Mary's lap?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
The child is being welcomed by angels with sweet hymns while shepherds watch over him.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
This child is the king, the one being watched over and sung about by shepherds and angels.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
Quickly come and praise this baby, the son of Mary.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
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