Away in a Manger
Christmas Carols For Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song "Away in a Manger" is a classic Christmas carol that has been sung by generations. The first stanza of the song describes the humble birthplace of Jesus Christ, who was born in a manger since there was no crib available to lay Him down. The lyrics paint the picture of the little Lord Jesus lying down in the hay while the stars were brightly shining over Him.
The second stanza of the song highlights the peaceful sleep of the baby Jesus. Although the cattle are lowing and the baby awakes, no crying is heard from the little Lord Jesus. The songwriter then declares their love for Jesus and asks Him to stay by their side until morning, seeking His love and protection.
In the third stanza, the songwriter requests Jesus to stay by their side forever and love them, while also praying that all the dear children may be blessed under His tender care. The song ends with a reprise of the first stanza, once again describing the scene where the little Lord Jesus was sleeping on the hay, watched over by the bright stars.
Overall, the song is about the humble birth and peaceful nature of Jesus, asking for His love and protection to be bestowed upon us and all the children of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The Lord Jesus was born in a humble place where there was no room for him to rest in a proper bed.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
The Son of God, who came to the world in the form of a baby, rested in peace and tranquility.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay
Even the heavens above recognized the birth of Jesus Christ and witnessed his arrival.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born in the most humble and unexpected surroundings and He slept on a bed of hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The sound of cattle in the stable awakened the baby Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Even though Jesus was an infant, He showed no signs of discomfort or tears despite his surroundings.
I love you, Lord Jesus look down from the sky
A call to Jesus Christ, to look upon his followers with love and compassion from heaven above.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh
A reverent prayer to the Lord Jesus, asking Him to remain with us through dark and difficult times until a new dawn arises.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
A prayer invoking the loving presence of God, asking Him to be with us at all times.
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray
A heartfelt entreaty to the Lord, seeking His everlasting love and presence by our side forever.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
A prayer of gratitude to Christ, acknowledging His merciful and loving care over all human beings.
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there
A prayer of hope and faith, longing to be with our Lord in heaven and asking for His guidance to lead us there.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind