Introduction to What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood: Overview and History
What Child Is This is an iconic and timeless Christmas carol, often referred to as “Greensleeves”. It first appeared in a Scottish book of poems from 1824, but the definitive version was set to William Chatterton Dix’s tune in 1865. The song was traditionally thought to have been written about the birth of Jesus Christ, although there has long been debate about just who wrote it and why.
Carrie Underwood’s version of What Child Is This, released in 2011, added new life and energy to this classic Christmas carol. She included her own modern interpretation of the lyrics and put her own twist on the timeless tune. Underwood felt a personal connection with this song and was inspired by the hopeful message it conveys during Christmas—that no matter one’s circumstance or upbringing, we are all brought together under love at this time of year.
In 2011 when she first performed What Child Is This on her concert tour, it sent audiences into raptures. With its lilting strings and gentle piano accompaniment highlighted by angelic choirs that soar beneath Underwood’s powerful voice, the track captures both joyous celebration while still remaining true to its gentle undertones that evoke a sense of reflection and reverence for this Christmas classic.
Over the course of its history further contributions were made; like those by Renee Fleming for instance – which didn’t fail to captivate many listeners – but even now when you hum Carrie Underwood’s rendition it echoes these same feelings: warmth and hope being radiated towards us from years past come alive through her melody!
Exploring the Lyrics of What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood
What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood is a beautifully-written song about the nativity of Jesus and his coming to earth. It paints a vivid picture of the journey that Mary and Joseph take from the stable in Nazareth to the manger in Bethlehem with ‘the king of kings, our Lord His only son’. Through its simple yet poignant lyrics, this timeless carol brings us back to that fateful night when God chose to become man as witnessed in Scriptures.
The verses of What Child Is This illustrate how shepherds were awestruck at the sight they beheld, while wise men brought their gifts of gold and incense. Each stanza pauses, allowing us time to admire those holy kneeling figures paying homage before deity incarnate: “Oh, why lies he in such mean estate? Where are his friends so loyal and true? Not in that poor lowly stable…” To ponder such profundity is awe-inspiring indeed! The chorus calls forth all creation for a glorious accompaniment of praise: “This heading all nature’s charms shall own … Come hither all who greatly fear Him; Truly know He reigns forevermore!”
It quickly becomes clear why What Child Is This is so popular during the Christmas season – it not only celebrates God’s incarnation but seizes upon a symbolic momentary pause where Mary’s gaze meets ours, connecting generations through sacred music amidst holiday festivities. Its juxtaposition between heaven and earth will remain long after Christmas decorations have been taken down as if daily life demanded more of our attention than daydreams did during Advent – “Oh oh oh what joy divine seeks thee thus to encompass thine? Why lies He here in pauper state ‘Midst folds which morns alone can trace?” Who could doubt that God indeed has come down from heaven’s throne as proclaimed throughout these marvelous lyrics?!
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics of What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood
What Child Is This is a beautiful holiday classic featured on Carrie Underwood’s debut Christmas album, My Gift. The traditional carol was originally composed to the melody of Greensleeves, and it tells the story of Jesus’s birth from the perspective of an onlooker or “shepherd” who is witnessing the miraculous event. In this song, Carrie Underwood masterfully captures the emotion and awe associated with this incredible event through her powerful vocals. The lyrics describe the physical characteristics and spiritual identity of baby Jesus in addition to marveling at his greatness – all expressed with striking imagery and elegant phrasing.
The song begins by describing how peaceful Jesus’s birthplace is: “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?” These lines are perhaps a reminder to pause throughout one’s life and take some time for wisdom and peace just like the newborn King did when he was heading towards his destiny.
The second verse goes on to introduce us to three additional characters involved in Mary and Joseph’s story: “This, this is Christ the King/ Whom shepherds guard and angels sing/ Haste, haste, to bring Him laud/ The babe, the son of Mary.” Here we’re introduced to another important part of Christianity – that God sent his messenger (his son) into our world so that we could join together in harmony just like He does by sending His messengers into us with guidance. Despite being Humble himself Jesus is described as having royal authority: “The King of kings salvation brings”. He came nothing less than royal power which can never be compared but only graced our lives through His extravagant love!
In contrast to popular opinion then then next line takes an unexpected departure where they offer a more sobering thought: “Why lies He in such mean estate”. Through these words
Examining How Christianity Influences What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood
Child is This by Carrie Underwood explores one of the major tenets of Christianity: unconditional love. The song tells the story of Mary and Joseph, two figures that are important to Christian faith, becoming parents to a new baby even though their circumstances were anything but ideal. Underwood highlights how unconditional love carries with it immense responsibility and sacrifice, ultimately culminating in an act of great heroism from these two brave souls.
The beauty of God’s unconditional love is that we can accept Him without having perfect lives or living according to specific standards – rather, it is based on our individual relationship with Christ. Christ’s life was full of examples demonstrating this love; He showed us that sacrifice—especially when it involves our own actions or words—requires courage and fortitude. It requires us to be selfless in order to bring about change for ourselves or others.
In Child is This, Underwood captures this essence by having Mary and Joseph take responsibility for the child despite their fear and hesitation, traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem in the night despite all the dangers involved in such a journey. They ultimately exemplify true courage as they respond positively (in spite of being scared) and accept what may have seemed like an insurmountable challenge at the time -all based on unconditional love for this child Jesus who will eventually grow up to become a symbol of ultimate hope for mankind.
Child is This serves as reminder that Christian faith hinges upon spiritual commitment rather than physical perfection; rather than simply meeting expectations set forth by religious practices or social codes, true faith requires us to remain focused on surrendering our hearts fully over to God’s plan so that we may love unconditionally no matter what obstacles arise along the way. We can learn from Mary’s and Joseph’s example as we embrace our own spiritual journeys—seeking truth amidst uncertainty while also showcasing courage when facing daunting tasks in order to truly understand what real love looks like through God
Connecting to Popular Culture with What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood
What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood is a beautiful contemporary rendition of the classic Christmas carol that has endured for centuries. It’s a timeless song about the birth of Jesus Christ and the spiritual power associated with his presence. But it also seamlessly connects to modern popular culture.
The ancient lyrics address the idea of an unknown baby who has no earthly home or parents, yet is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger bed — all while an angel chorus hymns away overhead. The message — despite being thousands of years old — speaks to our current cultural need for identity, security, family, and connection; its redemptive power resonates even today.
Underwood takes this traditional carol and runs with it into contemporary times but still retains its grounding undertones that have been passed down through generations: love, faith, hope, wisdom and humility are all there for us to experience as we listen to her version. She gives voice to these values without ever changing their core meaning – because the message remains unchanged from what Mary knew nearly two millennia ago – thus allowing us to recognize her rendition as one faithful to tradition . Here’s where Underwood succeeds – she merges past and present by providing modern perspective on age-old sentiments while not corrupting their validity. In short – connecting past religious themes with current social ideals allows this special song bring together time periods under one simple melody.
What Child Is This? By Carrie Underwood successfully intersects both traditional Christmas music and modern sensibilities in such a way that it unites varying audiences around a single recognizable theme – the joyful flavor of redemption through prayerful thanksgiving that envelopes us during Christmas season every year!
Concluding Thoughts on What Child Is This by Carrie Underwood
The carol, “What Child Is This,” by Carrie Underwood is a touching and powerful reminder of the power of faith and the importance of peace in our lives. The lyrics recall the awe-inspiring beauty of Christ’s birth and encourages us to look beyond earthly concerns. Even though we may not feel we have control over war and unrest, it offers some small comfort in knowing that there is an ultimate peace-bringer born into this world who gave life meaning. It challenges us to search for our own light emanating from within, a higher power that will provide us with hope and inner strength on our journey through life.
The song itself exudes a warmth through its simple acoustic guitar melody that complements its heartfelt words perfectly. Underwood’s vocal performance draws out every ounce of emotion from each line further making it resonate deeply across any audience. The tempo shifts at the bridge offering even greater meaning to its message – as if to imply how no matter what chaos we face in life, God continues to guide us forward regardless.
In conclusion, “What Child Is This” gives a powerful reminder of how faith can offer solace from difficult times. I believe that anyone going through hard times should take away something positive from listening to this carol – no matter their background or beliefs – signifyng that God works through all things both big and small towards his ever-reaching goal of inner peace on earth again one day soon.
