Wise Men and Gifts for Jesus: Song #24 "What Child is This?" aka "Greensleeves"

 Wise Men and Gifts for Jesus

Song #24 "What Child is This?" aka "Greensleeves"

Now it's time for something a little more familiar. In fact, 5 of my last 7 songs are all fairly well known. Most people know this song, but what you may not know is that it did not start off as a Christmas song. In fact the arrangement I'm using came from my "Folk Songs for Solo Singers" book. Way back in the year 1580 the tune was originally set to a different text, a song about unrequited love for "my lady Greensleeves." It was not set to "What Child is This?" until the year 1865. 


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?

Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding. Good Christian fear for sinners here. The silent word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and Angels sing. Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, 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.

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