Away in a Manger
D. White Lyrics
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No crib for his 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
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
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
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
The lyrics of D. White's "Away in a Manger" describe the scene of Jesus' birth in a stable, where he was laid in a manger because there was no other bed for him. The song reflects on the peacefulness and serenity of the moment, with the stars looking down on the baby Jesus as he lay sleeping on the hay. The cattle nearby are lowing, which wakes the baby up, yet he does not cry but remains peacefully asleep. The song expresses the love and devotion towards Jesus, asking him to remain by the singer's side and to bless all the children and take them to heaven to be with him.
The lyrics of "Away in a Manger" are reflective of the Christian tradition, which highlights the humble and peaceful birth of Jesus in a stable, a far cry from the grandeur and lavishness normally associated with the birth of royalty. The song and its lyrics have become an important part of Christmas traditions around the world, where it is often sung during Christmas services, carol events, and by families at home as they celebrate the festive season.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger,
The Lord Jesus was born in a manger.
No crib for his bed
There was no crib available for the Lord Jesus.
The little Lord Jesus
The Lord Jesus, as a baby.
Laid down his sweet head
He went to sleep and rested His head.
The stars in the bright sky
The stars shone brightly in the sky.
Looked down where he lay
The stars watched over Him where He slept.
The little Lord Jesus
The Lord Jesus, as a baby.
Asleep on the hay
He was sleeping on a bed of hay.
The cattle are lowing
The cows were making lowing sounds.
The poor baby wakes
The baby wakes up.
But little Lord Jesus
But the Lord Jesus, as a baby.
No crying He makes
He did not cry, even though He was awakened.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
I love you, Lord Jesus.
Look down from the sky
Please look down from the sky.
And stay by my side,
And stay with me always.
'Til morning is nigh.
Until the morning arrives.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
Please be near me, Lord Jesus.
I ask thee to stay
I am asking you to stay.
Close by me forever
Stay close to me forever.
And love me I pray
Please love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children
Bless all the precious children.
In thy tender care
Take care of them tenderly.
And take us to heaven
Take us to heaven.
To live with Thee there
To dwell with you forever.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Ramsey Murray
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind