Away In a Manger
Bing and Frank Lyrics
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The little Lord Jesus laid down his Sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
The song "Away in a Manger" is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. The first verse describes the scene of Jesus being laid in a manger as there was no room for him at the inn. The second verse describes how the animals in the stable were present at the birth and how the baby Jesus did not cry but instead slept. The third verse is a prayer to Jesus asking him to stay close and love us forever. The final verse is a prayer for Jesus to bless all the children and take care of them, ultimately asking for him to lead us to heaven.
The lyrics of "Away in a Manger" have been attributed to various authors over the years, but the true authorship remains unknown. It is believed to have originated in Germany in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that it became popular in the United States. The song has been recorded by various artists and has become a staple of Christmas carol services.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The baby Jesus was born in a stable with no proper crib.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his Sweet head.
The newborn Jesus peacefully rested his head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
As Jesus slept, the bright stars shone down upon him.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Jesus was asleep in the humble hay bed.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The noise of the lowing cattle woke up the baby Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
The baby Jesus did not cry despite being awoken by the cattle's noise.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
The singer professes their love for Jesus and requests for him to look down upon them from Heaven.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
The artist asks Jesus to stay by their side until morning comes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
The artist requests for Jesus to stay near them.
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
The artist prays for Jesus' eternal love and presence.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
The singer asks Jesus to bless all the children under his loving care.
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
The artist asks Jesus to prepare them for Heaven so they may live with him there.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Public Domain
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