Traditional music is an umbrella term for all folk music that has made it d… Read Full Bio ↴Traditional music is an umbrella term for all folk music that has made it down the generations largely thanks to oral tradition. The obscure and random inception of such songs means that the original author(s) of the song is rarely documented. Rather, the song by time becomes part of a country's or ethnic group's canon of folk songs, usually sung by groups of people performing a custom particular to their culture (ex. pub songs, sea shanties, football anthems, lullabies, children's songs, working songs, dancing tunes etc..).

Countless musicians have performed and re-injected life into traditional songs with examples ranging from Thin Lizzy's (and later Metallica's) Whiskey in a Jar (traditional Irish song) to Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's latest collaboration Among The Gold.

"Traditional" should not be used for the artist name, if the real name of the performing artist or group is known. Rather it should be used for the writer/composer, if they are unknown. The MusicBrainz style guidelines can give you an orientation for better tagging: https://musicbrainz.org/doc/Style/Unknown_and_untitled/Special_purpose_artist

What Child Is This?
Traditional Lyrics

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What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, oh this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, oh, 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, care for sinners there
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king, to own Him.

The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "What Child Is This?" offer a profound reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, questioning and celebrating the significance of this momentous event. The opening lines contemplate the mystery and wonder of the infant Jesus asleep on Mary's lap, surrounded by angels and watched over by shepherds. The juxtaposition of the humble setting with the divine presence evokes a sense of awe and reverence. The peaceful scene of a sleeping child carries a powerful symbolism of innocence and vulnerability, inviting listeners to ponder the miraculous nature of Christ's birth.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts to identifying the child as Christ the King, emphasizing his divine role and importance in Christian belief. The urgency in the call to "haste, oh, haste to bring Him laud" underscores the significance of recognizing and honoring Jesus, urging all to acknowledge his sovereignty and divine nature. The imagery of shepherds guarding and angels singing further underscores the celestial and earthly acknowledgement of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Savior whose birth brings hope and salvation to humanity.

The following verse delves into the paradoxical nature of Jesus' birth, highlighting the seeming incongruity of a king born in a lowly manger among animals. The allusion to the ox and ass feeding conveys the humility and simplicity of Jesus' arrival, prompting contemplation on the divine mystery of God entering the world in such a humble manner. The plea for "Good Christian, care for sinners there" speaks to the transformative power of Christ's message of redemption and forgiveness, urging believers to heed the silent but powerful call to compassion and grace.

The final stanza of the song shifts towards a call to action, inviting all, from peasants to kings, to come and worship the newborn King. The offering of incense, gold, and myrrh references the gifts brought by the Magi in the biblical account of Jesus' birth, symbolizing reverence, wealth, and sacrifice. The proclamation that the King of kings brings salvation and the exhortation to enthrone him in loving hearts encapsulates the central message of Christmas – the celebration of Jesus' birth as the advent of salvation and the invitation to embrace his transformative love and grace. In conclusion, the lyrics of "What Child Is This?" beautifully encapsulate the mystery, majesty, and mercy of Jesus' birth, inspiring listeners to recognize and honor the profound significance of the Incarnation.

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