What Child Is This?

Words: William C. Dix
Music: Anonymous--16th century English melody;
arranged by Sir John Stainer

Here is another example of how some carol tunes were often taken from popular folk tunes.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, there was a song entitled, "My Lady Greensleaves." Shakespeare often referred to the song as being one of the most popular of his day. The words to "My Lady Greensleaves" are no longer in use today, but the melody is still popular in the form of the carol "What Child Is This?"

The words to this carol were written during the reign of Queen Victoria, by William C. Dix. He was the manager of an insurance company in England, and wrote many beautiful hymns.


What Child Is This

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, 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 Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
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.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.