What Child Is This?

by Josh Groban

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Lyrics

What child is this who, (C)laid to rest, on (Bb)Mar y’s lap is (A7)sleep

ing?

Whom (Dm)an gels greet with (C)an thems sweet, while (Bb)shep herds (A7)watch are (Dm)keep

ing?

So bring Him in cense, (C)gold and myrrh; come (Bb)peas ant, king, to (A7)own

Him.

The (Dm)King of kings sal (C)va tion brings; let (Bb)lov ing (A7)hearts en (Dm)throne

Him.

(F)This,

this is (C)Christ the King,

whom (Dm)shep herds guard and (A7)an gels sing.

(F)Haste,

haste to (C)bring Him (Am7)laud,

the (Bb)Babe,

the (A7)Son of (Dm)Mar

y.

Oh, raise,

(G)raise a (D)song on high; His (Em)moth er sings her (B7sus)lull a by.

(Em)Joy, (F#m7)oh, (G)joy, for (D)Christ is born,

the (C)Babe,

the (B7)Son of (Em)Mar

y.

(G)This,

this is (D)Christ

the King, whom (Em)shep herds guard and (B7sus)an gels sing.

(G)Haste,

haste (Em7)to (D)bring Him (Bm7)laud, the (C)Babe,

the (B7)Son

of (Em)Mar

(A)y.

What (CN.C.)child

is this,

who, laid

to rest,

on Mar

y’s lap,

on Mar y’s lap

He is sleep

ing.

(G)This,

this is (D)Christ (F#m)the King,

whom (Em)shep herds guard and (B7sus)an

gels (B7)sing.

(G)Haste,

haste (Em7)to (D)bring (F#m)Him (Bm7)laud, the (C)Babe,

the (B7sus)Son

of (Em)Mar

(A)y.

The (Em7)Babe,

the (A)Son of (Em)Mar y.

the (A)Son of (CN.C.)Mar y.

What Child Is This? by Josh Groban — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “What Child Is This?” by Josh Groban in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of G at 120 BPM, a medium-difficulty arrangement — try slowing the tempo down using the BPM control.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "What Child Is This?" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "What Child Is This?"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "What Child Is This?" use?
Just 20 chords: A, A7, Am7, B, B7, Bb, Bm7, Bsus4, +12 more. Take it one section at a time.
What other Josh Groban songs work for kids?
Try "YOU RAISE ME UP", "FEBRUARY SONG", "HIGHER WINDOW". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.