What Child is This? | Lyrics, Piano & Harp Sheet Music

from the MMF Songbook


History for 'What Child is This?'

What Child Is This? is a carol written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, to the tune of Greensleeves. In the original version, each chorus offered a new text. Greensleeves is also used as the tune for The Old Year Now Away Has Fled, which is dated 1642.

Lyrics for '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.


Browse Related Resources for ‘What Child is This?’


Piano Sheet Music

What Child is This? for Beginner/Level 1 Piano Solo
What Child is This? for Easy/Level 3 Piano Solo
A Charlie Brown Christmas | Selections for Piano Solo (Book)

Guitar Sheet Music

What Child is This? for Easy Guitar Solo (Tab)

Harp Sheet Music

What Child is This? for Easy Harp Solo

Music Theory Worksheets

Stained Glass Nativity | Color-by-Rhythm Worksheet



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