Song Meaning

Neil Sedaka's rendition of "What Child Is This?" isn't just a Christmas carol; it's a carefully constructed tableau of awe and reverence. The lyrics, steeped in traditional Christian iconography, paint a picture of the infant Christ as both vulnerable ("laid to rest / On Mary's lap is sleeping") and divinely powerful ("This, this is Christ the King"). The song deftly juxtaposes the earthly and the celestial, with shepherds and peasants alongside angels, united in their adoration. It is a powerful meditation on how the sacred can manifest in the ordinary. It reminds the listener that the extraordinary rests among us. The song's repeated calls to action – "Haste, haste to bring him praise," "So bring him incense, gold and myrrh," "Raise, raise the song on high" – aren't mere suggestions; they're urgent imperatives. This urgency underscores the magnitude of the event being celebrated: the birth of a king whose glory transcends earthly realms. The gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh, traditionally associated with royalty and divinity, further emphasize the child's exceptional status. They symbolize a spiritual offering of devotion, urging all listeners to adopt a similar mindset of giving and gratitude. Ultimately, Sedaka's delivery of "What Child Is This?" serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of faith. It's not just about individual belief, but about collective celebration and shared joy. The lyrics encourage a unified expression of praise, filling "the earth and sky" with song. The repeated refrain, "The Babe, the Son of Mary," acts as a grounding element, reminding us of the human aspect of the divine narrative. This careful balance between the human and the divine is what makes "What Child Is This?" such a compelling and enduring carol. It speaks to the heart of the Christmas story, inviting listeners of all backgrounds to find meaning and connection in the universal themes of hope, love, and redemption.