“What Child Is This?” is a beloved and enduring Christmas carol that has been a part of the holiday tradition for over 150 years. With its beautiful melody and evocative lyrics, the song is a contemplative reflection on the birth of Jesus and the mystery of his divinity.
It has been recorded by many artists over the years, and continues to be a popular and beloved part of the Christmas season. Personally, we love Bing Crosby’s version of the best (which also includes the carol “The Holly and the Ivy”), which is the version we’ve included here.
In this article, we will explore the history, lyrics, and significance of “What Child Is This?” and examine why it remains a beloved and enduring part of the holiday tradition.
The Best Classic Christmas Songs: “What Child Is This?”
“What Child Is This?” is a Christmas carol that was first published in 1865. The lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, who was a British writer and insurance company manager. Dix wrote the lyrics during a time of personal illness, and they are considered to be some of his most enduring and beloved works.
The melody is an old English folk tune known as “Greensleeves.” This melody was originally associated with a love song, but it was adapted and repurposed for use in “What Child Is This?” The song quickly gained popularity and has been a beloved Christmas carol for over 150 years.
The song is a meditation on the birth of Jesus and the mystery of his divinity. It is typically performed during the Christmas season and is often sung in church services.
The song begins with the lyric “What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” This line poses a question about the identity of the child in the Nativity scene. The lyrics go on to describe the child as “whom angels greet with anthems sweet” and “whose birth the angels sing.” This suggests that the child is not just any ordinary baby, but rather is divine and worthy of praise from the angels.
The second verse of the song goes on to describe the surroundings of the Nativity scene, including the “oxen lowing” and the “mild and meek” mother Mary. It also references the “cold winter’s night” in which Jesus was born, emphasizing the humble beginnings of Jesus’s life.
The final verse of the song shifts focus from the Nativity scene to the future, when the child will “come to bring us goodness and light.” This refers to Jesus’s role as the savior and redeemer of humanity.
The lyrics conclude with the lines “Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?” This line echoes the question posed in the first verse, and serves as a reminder of the humility and selflessness of Jesus’s birth.
Overall, “What Child Is This?” is a beautiful and contemplative Christmas carol that reflects on the mystery and divinity of Jesus’s birth. It is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and the hope and redemption that Jesus brings to the world.
Why We Can All Love This Christmas Classic
Although “What Child Is This?” is a Christmas carol with Christian themes, it is possible for people of non-Christian faiths to enjoy the song as well.
For example, the song is a beautiful and contemplative piece of music that can be appreciated for its musical qualities and its evocative lyrics. Additionally, the themes of humility, selflessness, and the hope and redemption offered by the birth of Jesus can be resonant for people of many different religious backgrounds.
Furthermore, the Nativity scene depicted in the song is a well-known and enduring image that can be enjoyed and appreciated by people of all backgrounds. The idea of a baby being born in humble surroundings, surrounded by animals and shepherds, is a universal and timeless one that can be appreciated by people of many different faiths and beliefs.
In conclusion, while “What Child Is This?” is a Christmas carol with Christian themes, it can still be enjoyed by people of non-Christian faiths for its musical qualities, its evocative lyrics, and its depiction of the Nativity scene.
Vintage Versions of “What Child Is This?”
As a popular and enduring Christmas carol, “What Child Is This?” has been recorded by many artists over the years.
Some of the most well-known and beloved versions of the song are from the early to mid-20th century, and are often referred to as “vintage” versions of the carol. These recordings showcase the unique vocal styles and musical traditions of their time, and are considered to be classics within the genre of Christmas music.
One of the most famous vintage versions of “What Child Is This?” is Bing Crosby’s 1962 recording. This recording showcases Crosby’s smooth and mellow vocal style and has become one of the most well-known and beloved versions of the song.
Other notable vintage versions of “What Child Is This?” include recordings by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Vienna Boys’ Choir. These recordings, which were made in the mid-20th century, showcase the choir’s rich and powerful vocal harmonies, and are considered to be classics.
Related – The Top 10 Best Bing Crosby Christmas Songs
Listen to “What Child Is This?” by Bing Crosby
Overall, “What Child Is This?” has been met with widespread public acclaim and is considered to be a beloved and enduring part of the Christmas tradition. Its beautiful melody, evocative lyrics, and universal themes make it a favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds.
Personally, we love Bing Crosby’s “What Child Is This/The Holly and the Ivy” version. Listen to it here, then comment below your own thoughts on this beautiful Christmas song!
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