Tune: GREENSLEVES
Words: William Dix, 1871
Music: English folk song, arr. in Carols New and Old, 1871
View Lyrics
VERSE 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!
VERSE 2:
Why lies He in such low estate,
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, 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.
VERSE 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 the song on high.
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
the Babe, the son of Mary!
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!
VERSE 2:
Why lies He in such low estate,
Where ox and lamb are feeding?
Good Christian, 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.
VERSE 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 the song on high.
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
the Babe, the son of Mary!