What Child Is This?

What Child Is This?
Words by William Dix, 1865.  
Traditional English melody.
Public domain.

       Em  D    G         D
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
D#- Em     Am      B
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
     Em D     G         D
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
D#-    Em  Am    B         Em
While shepherds watch are keeping?

chorus:
   Bm    G        D  
  This, this is Christ the King,
   D#-   Em       Am        B
  Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
   Bm     G         D
  Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
  D#-  Em   Am   B      Em
  The babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent word is pleading.
(chorus)

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
(chorus)

This page is maintained by Jim Cheng. Questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Last updated on: February 28, 1998.