Greensleeves
conniff Lyrics

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What child is this?
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

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

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

Overall Meaning

"Greensleeves" is a traditional English folk song that has been adapted in various musical genres, including classical music as well as popular music. The lyrics explore the birth of Jesus Christ and his significance as the King of kings. The opening lines of the song pose the question "What child is this?" and describe the scene of the baby Jesus sleeping on Mary's lap, while angels sing and shepherds watch over him.

The next few lines of the song hail Jesus as the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing praises to. The song urges listeners to "haste, haste to bring Him laud" - to praise Jesus and recognize his importance as the Son of Mary, who brings salvation.

The song also references the prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion, with the lines "Nails fierce shall pierce him through" and "the cross be borne for me, for you." Despite this, the song emphasizes the joy and reverence that should be bestowed upon Jesus as the risen Lord.

Overall, the lyrics of "Greensleeves" provide a powerful portrayal of Jesus' birth, life, and significance as the Son of God.

Line by Line Meaning

What child is this?
Who is this child?

Who meant to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping
The child who was meant to rest on Mary's lap is now sleeping

Who angels greet with anthem sweet
The child whom angels greet with a sweet anthem

While shepherds watch our keeping
While shepherds watch over us

This, this is Christ, the King
This is Christ, the King

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
The one whom shepherds guard and angels sing about

Haste, haste to bring Him laud
Hurry, hurry to give Him praise

The babe, the Son of Mary
The baby, the Son of Mary

So bring him incense, gold and myrrh
Bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh

Come peasant King to own him
Come, humble king, to acknowledge Him