This week I’m blogging about songs that focus on the meaning and reason Christmas is celebrated by Christians around the world.
Greensleeves is a traditional English folk song that dates back to 1500. The writer of this song is unknown. Today, the tune of this song is associated with the Christmas hymn “What Child Is This?” The hymn text is part of a Christmas poem written by William Dix called “The Manger Throne.”
This arrangement begins with the chorus or refrain played by the harp. The harp is a stringed musical instrument that was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance Period, around the same time this English Folk Tune became popular. This recording highlights the ethereal sound of the harp and I’m imagining angels singing “This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing…” The harp and piano playing beautifully and blending to create a delightful and heavenly sound together.
Listen on Spotify if you’re a subscriber or YouTube.
Chorus:
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Stanza 1
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?
Stanza 2
Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here, the silent Word is pleading.
Stanza 3
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.
This is the Dec. 20 Song Blog from (my) Julie-Ann Joy’s 2020 Christmas Playlist. Check back everyday until New Year’s Day as I add another song to my playlist.
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