One of my favorite Christmas melodies What Child is This? (Greensleeves) is believed by many to have been written by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn. When religious leader Thomas More refused to let them marry, Henry had More executed.
I have trouble with that…
It’s as if Richard Nixon had written Moon River, and then beheaded Billy Graham for refusing to let him marry Audrey Hepburn.
⇔ ⇔ ⇔
Seriously, though, the exquisite melody was most likely written by an unknown Italian composer. Here’s a sweet rendition, with lyrics by the English hymn writer William Chatterton Dix onscreen:
Hymms are sometimes the icing on a good sermon or service! This one is surely inspirational.
Funny I was wondering about this song as last night we had Lessons and Carols at my Church and one of the songs was What Child is This…
I love that song too, as well as “Mary, did you know?” Thanks. Merry Christmas, Mitch. 🙂
You too, Debbie!
My comment, exactly!!! 🙂
Absolutely love this song and totally in sync with you about the beauty of it. Exquisite melody indeed. One of my favorites. First got to learn it for a school Christmas skit in early secondary years – we were accompanied by an accordion played by our teacher. Thanks for reviving a delightful memory.
Happy to assist in your trip down memory lane.