William Chatterton Dix, an English hymn writer,penned the lyrics to ‘What Child Is This’ likely on his sick bed, circa 1865. Dix was working as a manager of a maritime insurance company in Glasgow, Scotland. During Dix’s illness he underwent a spiritual revival. In the course of this revival this classic carol set to the tune of Greensleeves, Henry VIII’s famous song came to life.

This is one of my wife’s favorite carols. Like I did with ‘I Saw Three Ships’ I have compiled various renditions of the song from YouTube for your enjoyment.

 

Lindsey Stirling’s instrumental is most excellent!

Sissel Kyrkjeb∅’s haunting approach to the melody can be listened to here.

‘Do You Think I’m A Wise Man? Come on Herod, Let Me Know” He needs no introduction.

Go full hipster with Sufjan by donning your  Warby Parkers, facial hair, and tattoos.

The Man In Black is here.

Harry Connick Jr. provides us with a rendition only he could pull off.

A church praise band has a good jazzy number as well for us.

Sunny Side from the Czech Republic furnishes a rollicking version of the song.

This is a version of the song from Keith Bartlett Music and FALYNN. The singer who I assume is Falynn is singing in Plains Cree.