Away in a Manger
Earth Wind & Fire 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.
The lyrics of "Away in a Manger" describe the momentary night when Jesus was born in a stable, laid in a manger, with the stars and animals looking upon him. This carol is evocative of the nativity scene that has been depicted in Christian art, music, and literature, and as such, it holds immense significance for Christians worldwide. The first verse of the song starts with a description of the baby Jesus laying his head in a manger since there was no room for him in the inn. The second stanza describes how the baby Jesus did not cry despite being awakened by the cattle lowing. The song's third and final verse shifts to a personal appeal to the baby Jesus, calling for him to bless and protect all the children in his care until the day they meet again in heaven.
The first verse of the song portrays a scene of humility in which a king is born in a stable, with no royal paraphernalia to mark his birth. Through the detailed descriptions of the animals, the hay, and the stars gazing upon him, the song evokes a sense of awe and wonder at the miraculous event of the nativity. The second stanza emphasizes the baby's peaceful and gentle nature, which is juxtaposed with the noisy animals surrounding him. The last verse contains a heartfelt appeal to the Lord for guidance and protection, not just for the singer, but for all children in his care until the final day of judgement.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus did not have a proper bed in which to lay.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head,
The little Lord Jesus found a place to lay his head and sleep.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The bright stars shone down upon him as he lay sleeping.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The little Lord Jesus finally found rest and fell asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The noise caused by the cattle lowing woke the baby.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
Although the baby was awoken by the noise, he did not cry.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
The singer professes their love for Lord Jesus and asks for his attention from above.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
The artist requests the presence of Lord Jesus until the next morning.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
The artist asks for the presence of Lord Jesus to be near at all times.
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.
The artist prays for Lord Jesus to always be close and to love them.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
The singer asks for Lord Jesus to bless all of the children under his care.
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
The artist hopes to be prepared for heaven to live with Lord Jesus for eternity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: . Traditional, Michael Philip McGlynn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
cleo weatherford
Phillip Bailey u have one voice that I can listen to everyday I been listening to all of u guys for twenty years u guys r my number one group thank u from c w
Giuseppe Detimo
UNICI....MERAVIGLIOSI
EART. WIND & FIRE
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