What Child Is This? - sung by Jack Marti

The words were written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865. Originally it was a poem entitled, The Manger Throne. A shortened version of the poem was later combined with the 16th century folk tune known as Greensleeves. As near as I can tell, the first publication of this song in its present form occurred in 1871 in a songbook entitled, Christmas Carols New and Old.

This was one of the first songs I sang solo with the guitar in a public performance. I was ten and a half years old at the time, and I was still a first soprano. A bunch of us tried out for this solo, but they made me wait until last because they knew I wouldn't be able to see the words, so by the time everyone else had sung it, I had the words memorized and I guess I did a pretty good job because the let me sing it for the school Christmas program. It just so happened I was just learning to play the guitar at the time, so they let me accompany myself as well. What a thrill. I only sang the first verse and chorus. Since then I've learned the song has a few more words. Here they are:

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.
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.
Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Words: Will­iam C. Dix, 1865
Music: 16th century English melody (Greensleeves)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Christian
• Christmas
• folk
• music
• song
• twelve
• string
• 12-string
• guitar
• What
• Child
• This?
• Jack
• Marti

[thecounselor1]

Godd job, Jack. I'm enjoying your videos. Question: What type of camera and sound pickup are you using? I'd liike to share my music like, you, and the camera and sound seems to work nicely for you.

[guitmartiman]

Nothing special really. It's just a Kodak EasyShare 2760 digital camera. My wife bought it for me for Christmas in 2005 so I could take decent pictures of guitars and other things I was selling on Ebay. But when I StumbleUpon(ed) You Tube in August of 2006, I started using the video feature almost exclusively! In fact, I bought another slightly used Kodak 2760 on Ebay to use as a back up in case I wear this one out!

[johnedlin7]

has a very cash feeling. Voice isn't the same, but for some reason this really reminds me of cash.

[guitmartiman]

Maybe the black shirt? It's nice to be compared even vaguely to such a giant! Blessings on you!

[flamewarrio1]

God.....how many strings do you have? hehe

[guitmartiman]

It's a 12 string guitar, six courses of two strings, so you play it much the same way as a six string, only you finger two strings at a time instead of just one.

[billmassy]

Love this Jack, lets party sometime!

[nondepouk]

really a great rendition Jack; I enjoy the medieval or renaissance style that gives your version.

[llibmahargtube]

I like the way your 12-string rings. You have a nice voice.

[supermanwannabe111]

cool dude

[asdfasf332]

you have a great voice!