Voices United ‎#74

74. What Child is This

1 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?

[Refrain:]
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!

2 Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading. [Refrain]

3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
come, one and all, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: What child is this, who, laid to rest
• Title: What Child is This
• Author: William Chatterton Dix (ca. 1865)
• Refrain First Line: This, this is Christ the King
• Meter: 8 7 8 7 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: The Christian Year: Christmas; Annunciation; Biblical Characters: Mary, Mother of Jesus; Biblical Characters: Shepherds; Choruses and Refrains; Christian Year: Christmas; Gift(s); Jesus Christ: Birth and Infancy; Jesus Christ: Incarnation; Jesus Christ: Kingship, Conqueror; Jesus Christ: Lord of Life; Salvation; Word of God; Advent 4: Year A; Christmas Eve: Year A; Christmas 1: Year A; Epiphany: Year A; Christmas Eve: Year B; Christmas Day 1: Year B; Christmas Day 1: Year C; Epiphany: Year C

Tune Information

• Name: GREENSLEEVES
• Harmonizer (attributed to): John Stainer (1871)
• Meter: 8 7 8 7 with refrain
• Key: G Major
• Source: English melody, 16th century