Raye first attracted Nashville's attention as the lead vocalist on a string of independent singles in the 1980s. Billed as The Wrays, the act released a couple of singles on Mercury Records in the mid-80s before breaking up. Epic Records signed Raye as a solo act in 1990. A year later, the nostalgic ballad Love, Me hit No. 1, and by 2000, he charted 21 Top 10 hits for Epic. His first four studio albums, as well as his Greatest Hits, have been certified platinum. His best-known hits include Little Rock, about a recovering alcoholic, and I Think About You, about watching his teenage daughter grow up.
Away in a Manger
Collin Raye Lyrics
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The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes
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 my tender care
And take us to Heaven, to live with Thee there
The song "Away in a Manger" describes the humble birth of Jesus Christ in a stable. The lyrics express the beauty and simplicity of the scene, with a focus on the little Lord Jesus, who is lying in a manger since there was no crib available. The stars in the night sky are looking down on the newborn baby, who is sound asleep on the hay.
The second verse talks about how the cattle are lowing and might have woken up the baby, but he doesn't cry. In the third verse, the singer expresses their love for Jesus and asks that he always stays close by their side. The fourth and final verse is a prayer for Jesus to bless all the little children and to take them to heaven to be with him.
Collin Raye's version of "Away in a Manger" is one of the most beloved Christmas songs. The song is usually sung during the Christmas season, and it has become a standard hymn. The song is known for its calming music, which usually lulls children to sleep. The lyrics express a deep love for the Lord and ask for his blessings and protection.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
Though He deserved a kingly bed, Little Lord Jesus was laid in a manger, with no crib.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
Little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head to rest.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The stars in the sky shone brightly, casting light on the place where Little Lord Jesus lay.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Little Lord Jesus laid asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes
The cattle are making noise as the poor baby wakes up.
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes
Little Lord Jesus does not cry when He wakes up.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
I love You, Lord Jesus. Please look down at me from the sky.
And stay by my credo 'til mornin' is nigh
Stay with me and protect me until the morning comes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Please stay near me, Lord Jesus.
Close by me forever and love me, I pray
Please be close to me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in my tender care
Please bless all the dear children under my care.
And take us to Heaven, to live with Thee there
Please take us all to Heaven and let us live with You there.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, FRED BOCK MUSIC CO.,INC.
Written by: . TRADITIONAL, HOWARD CABLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind