Introduction
Among the myriad sounds of the holiday season, certain melodies and lyrics possess a timeless quality that encourages reflection and a sense of quiet awe. While festive tunes bring cheer, traditional carols often delve into the deeper spiritual significance of Christmas, inviting listeners to pause and consider the wonder of the Nativity story. Vince Gill, an artist whose vocal clarity and sincere delivery are perfectly suited to conveying profound emotion, offers a moving interpretation of one such classic hymn, “What Child Is This?“
This carol, with its beautiful and instantly recognizable melody borrowed from the traditional English folk tune “Greensleeves,” and its thoughtful lyrics penned by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, is a cornerstone of Christmas music. It’s a hymn that doesn’t simply recount the events of the Nativity but poses questions, inviting contemplation about the identity and purpose of the infant lying in the manger. For Vince Gill, an artist whose faith is often evident in his work, particularly his holiday recordings, this carol is a natural fit. His versions, found on beloved Christmas albums like Breath of Heaven: A Christmas Collection (1998), bring a respectful reverence to the material.
The theme of “What Child Is This?” is one of contemplative wonder. It captures the perspective of those witnessing the humble scene in Bethlehem and grappling with the extraordinary nature of the moment. The questions posed in the lyrics – “What Child is this, who, laid to rest / On Mary’s lap is sleeping?” – are not born of ignorance but of awe and a dawning realization of the child’s significance. The verses go on to describe the reverence shown by animals and shepherds, and the offerings presented, all pointing towards the profound importance of this birth. It’s a hymn that encourages listeners to move beyond the surface-level festivities and consider the spiritual heart of Christmas.
Musically, Vince Gill’s rendition of “What Child Is This?” typically embraces a style that highlights the carol’s inherent beauty and spiritual depth. The arrangement likely features acoustic instruments, perhaps including some elegant classical guitar work from Gill himself, alongside subtle piano and possibly gentle strings or understated touches of steel guitar or fiddle that add a warm, soulful resonance without disrupting the hymn’s traditional feel. The tempo is measured and deliberate, allowing the melody to unfold gracefully and the listener to absorb the weight of the lyrics. The production is clean and reverent, creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.
Gill’s vocal performance on “What Child Is This?” is a key element that elevates his interpretation. His clear, pure tenor voice is ideally suited to the hymn’s melodic contours and its message of sincere inquiry and reverence. He delivers the lyrics with a quiet strength and genuine feeling, conveying the sense of wonder and perhaps a personal connection to the spiritual questions being asked. There is a warmth and honesty in his voice that makes the ancient words feel fresh and deeply moving.
For listeners seeking Christmas music that encourages reflection and focuses on the spiritual core of the holiday, Vince Gill’s recording of “What Child Is This?” is a beautiful choice. It’s a respectful, heartfelt performance of a timeless carol that invites us to pause amidst the busyness of the season and consider the profound significance of the story it tells. Gill’s artistry brings a sense of peace and genuine contemplation to this classic hymn, making it a cherished addition to any holiday collection and a reminder of the quiet beauty at the heart of Christmas