Away In a Manger
Elvis Presley & the Jordanaire 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 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 thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
The lyrics to "Away in a Manger" are a beautiful and powerful depiction of the story of Jesus' birth. The song speaks to the humble beginnings of Jesus, with no crib or bed to lay his head on, he was placed in a manger, surrounded by animals. This simplistic setting highlights the purity and innocence of Jesus as he sleeps peacefully, his small form a stark contrast to the grandeur and majesty that later become associated with him.
The following lines "the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay", create a sense of awe and wonder at the scene of the newborn king's arrival. These lines show the importance of Jesus's birth that even the skies are taking notice of the miraculous event that is taking place. The final verse includes an invocation to the Lord to protect and bless "the dear children," a heartfelt plea to protect those who are vulnerable and have faith in the divinity of Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The baby Jesus was sleeping in a manger because there was no other place for him to rest.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his Sweet head.
Jesus, the lord, peacefully laid his head down in the manger.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The bright stars witnessed the birthplace of Jesus, where he was sleeping.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The baby Jesus was sleeping on the hay in the manger.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The cows were mooing and they woke up the baby Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
Although Jesus was awakened, he didn't cry and remained quiet.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
People who believe in Jesus express their love to him and ask him to look down from heaven.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
People who love Jesus ask him to stay by their side until morning comes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
People ask Jesus to be close to them and never leave their side.
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
People pray for Jesus to always be with them and love them unconditionally.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
People ask Jesus for his blessings and protection for all children who are under his loving care.
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
People pray for Jesus to prepare them for heaven so that they can live with him there ultimately.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Public Domain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind