What Child is This? - Free Sheet Music

Music makes the Christmas season so much more festive, and What Child is This? has become one of the most cherished carols to play and sing. This article guides you to several arrangements for piano, and C and Bb instrumental ensembles for this celebrated carol. You will also find the lyrics following the free sheet music links.

Free Sheet Music | What Child is This? for Easy Piano
This arrangement of What Child is This? is ideal for the piano student with at least 3 years of experience. The arrangement is available in PDF format, the best format for a crisp, clean copy. An MP3 recording is also provided, if you would like to listen to the sheet music selection before you print it.

Download What Child is This? for Piano Solo | Traditional

Free Sheet Music | What Child is This? for C Instruments (Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba)
This arrangement of What Child is This? is for four players with 3 or more years of experience. It is a simple arrangement that is ideal for a sing-along or door-to-door caroling.

Download What Child is This? for C Instruments | Traditional

Free Sheet Music | What Child is This? for Bb Instruments (Trumpet, Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone)
This arrangement of What Child is This? is for four players with 3 or more years of experience. It is a simple arrangement that is ideal for a sing-along or door-to-door caroling.

Download What Child is This? for Bb Instruments | Traditional

Lyrics
The lyrics to this Christmas song were written by English writer William Chatterton Dix (June 14, 1837 - September 9, 1898) in 1865.

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.