What child is this?
View chords used in this chart
(verse 1)
Em Am Em D Bm
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
C Am B7
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Em Am Em D Bm
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
Em B7 Em
While shepherds watch are keeping?
[Refrão]
G D Bm
This, this is Christ the King
C Am B7
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
G D Bm
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
Em B7 Em
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
(verse 2)
Em Am Em D Bm
Why lies he in such mean estate
C Am B7
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Em Am Em D Bm
Good Christian, fear for sinners here,
Em B7 Em
The silent Word is pleading.
[Refrão]
G D Bm
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
C Am B7
The cross be borne for me, for you.
G D Bm
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
Em B7 Em
The babe, the son of Mary.
(verse 3)
Em Am Em D Bm
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
C Am B7
Come, peasant king, to own Him.
Em Am Em D Bm
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Em B7 Em
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
G D Bm
Raise, raise the song on high!
C Am B7
The virgin sings her lullaby.
G D Bm
Joy! Joy! for Christ is born,
Em B7 Em
The babe, the son of Mary.
How to play What child is this?
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is Em. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.