“What Child Is This?” was written in 1865 by a man named William Dix who came down with an illness that appeared to be fatal. During that period he penned the words:

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 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!

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!

He recovered from his illness to write many more hymns, but this has gone on to be set to the tune “Greensleeves” and recorded by everyone from Tony Bennett to Andrea Bocelli to Rod Stewart.

Watch this short video:

Watch it on our web site: https://www.playpiano.com/WhatChildIsThis

Or watch it on our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD86K3yLWpA

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