Away in a Manger
Children Christmas 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 you, Lord Jesus look down from the sky
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
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 Christmas carol “Away in a Manger” is a beloved song about the birth of Jesus. The opening lines paint a humble picture of the son of God being born in a stable and sleeping in a manger because there was no crib available. The singer emphasizes that the infant Jesus is asleep and has a sweet head, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
The emphasis on Jesus’ peacefulness continues with the second verse, which describes how the baby is awakened by the cattle lowing but still doesn’t cry. The singer expresses their love for Jesus and asks him to stay by their side until morning. This is followed by a plea to remain close to Jesus, forever being in his loving embrace. The final verse asks that Jesus bless all the children under his care and prepare them for heaven.
This carol is a classic example of how the Christmas season is marked by songs of religious symbolism that celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It also reminds us of the role of humility in the Christian faith, as Jesus was born in the lowliest of circumstances, with a manger for his bed. The song runs deep with a simple and unpretentious message of love and devotion for Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The baby Jesus was laid to rest in a manger because there was no crib available.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
Jesus, even though he was a Lord, slept peacefully with his sweet head laid down in the manger.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay
The bright stars shining in the night sky looked down on the place where Jesus lay.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus, who was just a little baby, slept peacefully on the soft hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The cattle made sounds that woke the baby up.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Even though he was awakened by the sounds of the cattle, Jesus did not cry.
I love you, Lord Jesus look down from the sky
The singer of the song expresses their love for Jesus and asks him to look down on them from heaven.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh
They ask Jesus to stay near them until the morning comes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
The singer of the song asks Jesus to be near them and to stay with them.
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray
They pray that Jesus will always be close to them and will love them forever.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
The singer of the song asks Jesus to bless all the children who are in his loving care.
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there
They ask Jesus to prepare them for heaven so that they can live with him there.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Public Domain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind