What Child Is This?
England Lyrics
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?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
History and Meaning
A Christmas carol written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, set to the tune of 'Greensleeves'. Dix, an English hymn writer and insurance company manager, wrote the lyrics as part of a poem titled "The Manger Throne" after experiencing a severe illness and subsequent spiritual renewal. The lyrics were not paired with the traditional "Greensleeves" melody until 1871, when they were published in the influential collection "Christmas Carols New and Old" in the United Kingdom.