What Child Is This? Lyrics

The Christmas carol “What Child Is This?” tells of the humble birth of our Savior and the many visitors who came from near and far, bearing gifts for their King. Keep reading to learn about the story behind the song. Then download the free PDF of the lyrics and sing along with this song of adoration.

  • “What Child Is This?” Lyrics

    What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
    On Mary's lap is sleeping?
    Whom angels greet with voices 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!

    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.

    What Child is this, who, laid to rest
    On Mary's lap, is sleeping?

  • Click on the image to download a beautifully illustrated PDF of “What Child Is This?”

Sing along with our illustrated video of this Christmas carol of adoration found onThe Good and the Beautiful Kids YouTube channel.

The Story Behind the Lyrics of “What Child Is This?”

Throughout the Bible, God put everyday people into unusual situations to accomplish extraordinary things! In the Old Testament, Moses, Joseph, Jonah, David, Esther, and many others did great works for the Lord. Then in the New Testament, Jesus chose twelve ordinary men as His disciples. God continues to use each of us to carry out His work today. 

In 1866 William Chatterton Dix was an ordinary man living in Glasgow, Scotland. There was nothing special about his childhood in Bristol, England nor his work as an insurance manager as an adult. One day he fell terribly ill and was bedridden for months. Depressed and hopeless, he found comfort in the Bible. Reading scripture, writing poetry, and praying fervently changed his outlook and his life. 

He slowly recovered and returned to his insurance work. With an intense love for the Bible and for writing, he began penning poems expressing his devotion to the Lord. He kept many of his poems tucked away at home, but one stood out: a poem titled “What Child Is This?”

Finding a Fitting Melody

While Dix was skilled with words, he was not musically gifted. He wanted a melody that matched the humbleness of the babe born in a manger, surrounded by animals, shepherds, kings, an angel, and the gifts they brought. But he knew the melody also needed to express the splendor of God’s gift to us that night—Jesus!

The sixteenth century melody “Greensleeves” was the perfect fit. “Greensleeves” was already a familiar Christmas tune. Once paired together, his poem “What Child Is This?” was soon sung in churches throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. It has since been published in more than 200 hymnals.

  • Click on the image to download a beautifully illustrated PDF of “What Child Is This?”

You may also like . . .

Join the Discussion

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

    Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

    Find comfort in the hymn Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow. Learn the story behind the song and print the lyrics.

    Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow

    Find comfort in the hymn Jesus, What a Friend in Sorrow. Learn the story behind the song and print the lyrics.

    Read more
  • Amazing Grace

    Amazing Grace

    Amazing Grace

    Read more
  • For the Beauty of the Earth

    For the Beauty of the Earth

    The lyrics in the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” are inspiring and timeless. Reflect on God’s precious gifts as you sing along with this gentle and lovely song....

    For the Beauty of the Earth

    The lyrics in the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth” are inspiring and timeless. Reflect on God’s precious gifts as you sing along with this gentle and lovely song....

    Read more
  • My God Is So Great: Song Lyrics and Memory Verses

    My God Is So Great: Song Lyrics and Memory Verses

    Children often ask the question, “How big is God?” His greatness is bigger than any of us can imagine. Sing along with this beautifully illustrated video of “My God Is...

    My God Is So Great: Song Lyrics and Memory Verses

    Children often ask the question, “How big is God?” His greatness is bigger than any of us can imagine. Sing along with this beautifully illustrated video of “My God Is...

    Read more
  • The Farmer in the Dell: Lyrics & Story

    The Farmer in the Dell: Lyrics & Story

    Young children love singing songs about farm animals. “The Farmer in the Dell” is a fun song about a farmer who gets married, has a family, and fills his farm...

    The Farmer in the Dell: Lyrics & Story

    Young children love singing songs about farm animals. “The Farmer in the Dell” is a fun song about a farmer who gets married, has a family, and fills his farm...

    Read more
  • Hickory, Dickory, Dock

    Hickory, Dickory, Dock

    In the beloved telling-time nursery rhyme “Hickory, Dickory, Dock,” a little mouse runs up and down the clock every hour, making this rhyme a perfect tool for helping children learn...

    Hickory, Dickory, Dock

    In the beloved telling-time nursery rhyme “Hickory, Dickory, Dock,” a little mouse runs up and down the clock every hour, making this rhyme a perfect tool for helping children learn...

    Read more
  • My Gift

    My Gift

    Gift giving at Christmas has become a tradition for many families. The song “In the Bleak Midwinter” reminds us that we need only give one simple gift. Keep reading to...

    My Gift

    Gift giving at Christmas has become a tradition for many families. The song “In the Bleak Midwinter” reminds us that we need only give one simple gift. Keep reading to...

    Read more
  • The Wheels on the Bus

    The Wheels on the Bus

    Sing and move along with “The Wheels on the Bus” on the Kids YouTube channel. Keep reading to learn the story of the song. Then download and print the lyrics....

    The Wheels on the Bus

    Sing and move along with “The Wheels on the Bus” on the Kids YouTube channel. Keep reading to learn the story of the song. Then download and print the lyrics....

    Read more
  • Homeschooling with Babies and Toddlers

    Homeschooling with Babies and Toddlers

    Childhood is such a precious time, setting the course for the rest of a child’s life. Homeschooling with babies and toddlers is a busy season, but it is worth it!...

    Homeschooling with Babies and Toddlers

    Childhood is such a precious time, setting the course for the rest of a child’s life. Homeschooling with babies and toddlers is a busy season, but it is worth it!...

    Read more
  • This Little Light of Mine

    This Little Light of Mine

    “This Little Light of Mine” is one of the first songs many children learn in Sunday school. Its simple lyrics carry a big message! Sing along with this joyful song...

    This Little Light of Mine

    “This Little Light of Mine” is one of the first songs many children learn in Sunday school. Its simple lyrics carry a big message! Sing along with this joyful song...

    Read more
  • Happy Birthday to You

    Happy Birthday to You

    “Happy Birthday to You” is one of the most famous songs in the English language. These four simple words bring great joy to the birthday girl or boy. Keep reading...

    Happy Birthday to You

    “Happy Birthday to You” is one of the most famous songs in the English language. These four simple words bring great joy to the birthday girl or boy. Keep reading...

    Read more
  • Color Words Songs

    Color Words Songs

    Spelling color words is fun and easy with our beautifully illustrated gentle color songs and free downloadable PDF color words handwriting pages. Sing and spell along with the colorfully illustrated...

    Color Words Songs

    Spelling color words is fun and easy with our beautifully illustrated gentle color songs and free downloadable PDF color words handwriting pages. Sing and spell along with the colorfully illustrated...

    Read more
  • Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    Old MacDonald’s farm is one of the most well-known farms around. The noisy animals make the farm a favorite among children. Keep reading to find out more about this song...

    Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    Old MacDonald’s farm is one of the most well-known farms around. The noisy animals make the farm a favorite among children. Keep reading to find out more about this song...

    Read more
  • Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of America’s favorite songs! All who love baseball are familiar with the lyrics and tune. Keep reading to learn about the...

    Take Me Out to the Ball Game

    “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of America’s favorite songs! All who love baseball are familiar with the lyrics and tune. Keep reading to learn about the...

    Read more
  • Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

    Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

    “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” is one of the oldest English nursery rhymes with a very recognizable melody. Do you know its familiar tune? Here’s a hint. The melody is similar...

    Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

    “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep” is one of the oldest English nursery rhymes with a very recognizable melody. Do you know its familiar tune? Here’s a hint. The melody is similar...

    Read more
  • Away in a Manger Lyrics and Song

    Away in a Manger Lyrics and Song

    “Away in a Manger” is one of the most recognized and loved Christmas songs heard each Christmas season. How was this late-19th-century American hymn mistakenly credited to 16th-century German Martin...

    Away in a Manger Lyrics and Song

    “Away in a Manger” is one of the most recognized and loved Christmas songs heard each Christmas season. How was this late-19th-century American hymn mistakenly credited to 16th-century German Martin...

    Read more
  • We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    Spread good cheer throughout the month of December with the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”! In this blog post, read about some of our favorite ways to share...

    We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    Spread good cheer throughout the month of December with the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”! In this blog post, read about some of our favorite ways to share...

    Read more
  • Over the River Lyrics & Story

    Over the River Lyrics & Story

    “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go” are familiar lines families sing on holiday road trips to Grandma’s house. But did you know the author...

    Over the River Lyrics & Story

    “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go” are familiar lines families sing on holiday road trips to Grandma’s house. But did you know the author...

    Read more
  • Itsy Bitsy Spider

    Itsy Bitsy Spider

    What nursery rhyme character has eight legs? In America, it’s the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” In Australia and Great Britain, it’s known as the “Incy Wincy Spider.” Itsy Bitsy Spider  The...

    Itsy Bitsy Spider

    What nursery rhyme character has eight legs? In America, it’s the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” In Australia and Great Britain, it’s known as the “Incy Wincy Spider.” Itsy Bitsy Spider  The...

    Read more