A Couple of Carols

A couple of carols, both from Irish singers.
 
This is a lovely version of O Holy Night.

  

O Holy Night by Ruth McGill
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The lyrics for "What Child is This?" were written around 1865 by Englishman William Chatterton Dix (1837-1898), It is not known who merged Dix's lyrics and the English folk song tune  "Greensleeves", but quite possibly it was John Stainer (1840-1901), who made a harmonization.

This melody has a long history, beginning with its first mention in 1580 as a "new northern ditty of the Lady Greene Sleeves."

It was used later as a political ballad, and even makes an appearance (by reference only) in Shakespeare’s "Merry Wives of Windsor." In 1642 it was first used in a Christmas carol, "The Old Year Now Away Has Fled." The currently popular words were added by William Dix during the reign of Queen Victoria."

 The verses in red are not sung in this version.

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 Christians, 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.

(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.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

(Raise, raise a song on high,

The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born,

The Babe, the Son of Mary.)