Away In a Manger
Connie Smith Lyrics


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Away in a manger no crib for a bed the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
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 take us to heaven to live with Thee there

Silent night holy night all is calm all is bright
Round young virgin mother and child holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night holy night son of God love's pure light




Radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord at Thy birth Jesus Lord at thy birth

Overall Meaning

The song "Away in a Manger" talks about the humble birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, in a manger two thousand years ago. The first verse describes the scene of the baby Jesus lying down in a manger as he sleeps peacefully with the stars shining above him. Even though the baby Jesus was born in a lowly place, he is still the son of God.


In the second verse, the song shifts to a personal prayer from the perspective of the singer. She asks the Lord Jesus to always be near her and love her, and to bless all the children under His tender care. The final line of the second verse is a request to take us to heaven to live with Him there, after our lives on Earth have ended.


The song ends with the lyrics to "Silent Night," a Christmas carol which talks about the night of Christ's birth. The song paints a peaceful, calm and holy picture of the night He was born, with a young virgin mother and a holy infant. It ends with the wish for Jesus to sleep in heavenly peace.


Overall, "Away in a Manger" is a timeless and beautiful hymn about the miracle of Jesus' birth and the love and grace He brings to our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Away in a manger no crib for a bed the little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
The little Lord Jesus lay his sweet head on hay without a crib in a manger.


The stars in the sky looked down where he lay the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
As he slept on the hay, the stars watched over the little Lord Jesus.


Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay close by me forever and love me I pray
Lord Jesus, please stay close to me always, love me and be by my side forever.


Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
Please bless all the beloved children you take care of.


And take us to heaven to live with Thee there
Bring us to heaven to live with you forever.


Silent night holy night all is calm all is bright
It's a peaceful, quiet and bright night, a holy night.


Round young virgin mother and child holy infant so tender and mild
A young virgin mother and her holy, gentle and tender infant child.


Sleep in heavenly peace sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in the peacefulness of heaven.


Silent night holy night son of God love's pure light
The son of God, the pure light of love on this holy night.


Radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace
Redeeming grace radiates from your holy face as the dawn breaks.


Jesus Lord at Thy birth Jesus Lord at thy birth
You were born, Jesus, and you are our Lord from the very beginning.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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