Away in a Manger
2.Sufjan Stevens Lyrics

The song Away in a Manger written by American musician Sufjan Stevens is a rendition of one of the most celebrated Christmas carols ever written. The lyrics describe the birth of Jesus in a manger with very little comforts around him. The opening lines “Away in a manger, No crib for His bed” shows how the baby Jesus had to sleep in a manger as there was no room for him in the inn. The second line “The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head” signifies Christ's birth and reinforces why he had to sleep in the manger, which was the only suitable place for him to sleep.

The third and fourth line, "The stars in the bright sky, Looked down where He lay" reflect upon the brightness of the sky on that blessed night, as though the heavens celebrated the arrival of the newborn King. The fifth and the sixth line, "The little Lord Jesus, Asleep on the hay," portrays the baby Jesus lying on a bed of hay, which serves as a humble backdrop in comparison to the grandeur that should have attended the first Christmas, thus reminding one that Christ was born with a profound sense of humility.

In the second stanza, "The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes" describes a narrative where the cattle are awakened by the Baby, and out of love and affection for him, they start lowing, even as he continues to sleep, unperturbed. The rest of the song lingers on, seeking comfort and closeness to the baby Jesus. It’s an ode to the infant Christ with a humble heart that loved all children and blessed them. The song concludes with a verse that speaks to the Listener to bless all dear children with God's tender love and help everyone lead a life that finds a home in heaven.