The Oak Ridge Boys - The King Is Born Lyrics
Released: 01 Jan 1986
Lyrics
What Child is this who lay to rest
On Mary's breast is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch is keeping
To you this night a King is born He is the promised One
God so loved the world He sends down His only Son
Rich man poor man wise man be
He will deliver all from trouble and grief
Tidings of joy to the world
The King is born
No velvet or satin, no pillow for His head
Straw from the stable low, to make the Baby's bed
Angels come to shepherd in the hills and sing Emmanuel
Tidings of joy to the world
The King is born
The Son of Man, the Prince of Peace Savior to us all
A humble birth in Bethlehem, the greatest gift of all
And all the Earth will know His Name
And all the Earth will hear His Word
Tidings of joy to the world
The King is born
Video
The King Is Born (Intro: What Child Is This)
Meaning & Inspiration
In 1986, The Oak Ridge Boys gifted the world with "The King Is Born," a profound track released on their album *20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: Oak Ridge Boys*. This song isn't merely a festive tune; it is a heartfelt theological declaration, a narrative woven from the very fabric of the Gospel, and a powerful reminder of the central event of Christian faith. Through its reverent verses, the song unpacks the mystery and majesty of Christ's arrival, inviting contemplation on the greatest story ever told.
The song’s core meaning is a profound retelling of the nativity, beginning with the contemplative question, "What Child is this who lay to rest on Mary's breast is sleeping?" This line immediately connects to the ancient wonder surrounding the infant Jesus, a moment witnessed by angels singing praises and humble shepherds keeping watch, as described in Luke 2:8-14. It sets the scene for the divine paradox: the Son of God, the Messiah promised through generations, born in such humble circumstances. The chorus then erupts with a joyous proclamation: "To you this night a King is born, He is the promised One. God so loved the world He sends down His only Son." This is a direct echo of John 3:16, encapsulating the entire redemptive plan of God, where infinite love propels the sending of His only begotten Son as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2.
Further expanding on Christ's universal reach, the song declares, "Rich man poor man wise man be, He will deliver all from trouble and grief. Tidings of joy to the world, The King is born." This emphasizes the boundless nature of salvation and comfort offered by Christ, accessible to every soul regardless of their earthly status. Jesus Himself invited all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28-30), demonstrating His mission to bring solace and deliverance from the spiritual and earthly troubles that afflict humanity. The repeated phrase "Tidings of joy to the world" serves as a continuous affirmation of the Gospel message—good news for all people (Luke 2:10).
The lyrics then paint a vivid picture of the nativity’s humility, stating, "No velvet or satin, no pillow for His head. Straw from the stable low, to make the Baby's bed." This stark imagery powerfully contrasts earthly notions of royalty with the divine humility of Christ's birth in a manger, as narrated in Luke 2:7. It highlights God's choice to enter the world not with pomp and circumstance, but in unassuming poverty, underscoring His identification with the lowly. In this setting, "Angels come to shepherd in the hills and sing Emmanuel," reminding us of the angelic host's appearance to the shepherds (Luke 2:9-12) and the prophetic name "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us" (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23). This simple, yet profound, act of divine condescension is presented as the very essence of God's presence among humanity.
The song culminates by listing several of Jesus' most significant titles and summarizing His mission: "The Son of Man, the Prince of Peace Savior to us all. A humble birth in Bethlehem, the greatest gift of all." Each title carries immense scriptural weight. "Son of Man" points to both His humanity and His ultimate authority as seen in Daniel 7:13-14. "Prince of Peace," from Isaiah 9:6, speaks to His role in bringing spiritual and relational harmony. His birth in Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, establishing His Messianic lineage. The assertion that this humble birth is "the greatest gift of all" resonates with Romans 6:23, where eternal life through Christ Jesus is depicted as God's ultimate gift. The song concludes with a triumphant vision: "And all the Earth will know His Name, and all the Earth will hear His Word. Tidings of joy to the world, The King is born." This is a powerful echo of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the prophetic understanding that Christ’s dominion will extend throughout the entire world, leading to a universal acknowledgment of His Lordship, as Philippians 2:9-11 foretells. The Oak Ridge Boys, through "The King Is Born," have crafted more than a song; they’ve delivered a potent sermon in musical form, inspiring reflection on the timeless truths of Christmas and the profound, world-changing impact of Jesus Christ's arrival.