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Lyrics and Information

What Child is This?

Words by William Chatterton Dix, “The Manger Throne,” 1865
Tune: GREENSLEEVES, 16th Century English
Key signature: B minor (2 sharps)
Time signature: 3/4
Meter: 8.7.8.7 Refrain
Public Domain
Guitar and Flute Performance at Hymns Without Words
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? 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. 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.
3. 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.