Harris is truly an innovator. For over 30 years, Emmylou has flowed effortlessly between genres achieving popularity in pop, folk, country and now alternative. The common bridge is an exquisite vocal style and a gift for discovering the heart of a song.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 2, 1947, the daughter of Walter and Eugenia Harris grew up near Washington, D.C. As a college student in the late 60s, she sang with a local folk duo and eventually moved to Greenwich Village. She played the clubs on the local folk scene occasionally sharing the stage with Jerry Jeff Walker and David Bromberg.
Discovered in 1971 by Chris Hillman, Hillman brought Gram Parsons to hear her sing in a small club in the Washington D.C. area. In 1972, she answered the call from Gram to join him in Los Angeles to work on his first solo album, "GP." According to Songfacts, Parsons tragic early death in 1973 left Harris at an emotional and musical crossroads. Her earliest signature song, Boulder To Birmingham was written shortly after Gram's death, and it showed the depth of her shock and pain at losing her friend and mentor.
After the loss of Gram, Emmylou went back to the D.C. area and formed a country band, playing with them until her 1975 major label debut, Pieces of the Sky, when she formed the first version of the legendary Hot Band. Over the years the Hot Band included world class players such as Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell and Hank DeVito.
Emmylou has been called by Billboard Magazine a "truly venturesome, genre-transcending pathfinder." Throughout her career, she has been admired for her talent as an artist and song connoisseur, but it was with her 2000 album, Red Dirt Girl, for which Ms. Harris was awarded her tenth (out of eleven total to date) Grammy, that she revealed she is also a gifted songwriter. Continuing the trend with her September 2003 album, Stumble Into Grace, Emmylou wrote ten of the album's eleven tracks. Though Emmylou is the most admired and influential woman in contemporary country music, her scope extends far beyond it. She has recorded with such diverse artists as Ryan Adams, Beck, Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Bob Dylan, Tammy Wynette, Neil Young, The Chieftains, Lyle Lovett, Roy Orbison, The Band, Willie Nelson and George Jones.
She sings with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt on the incomparable albums Trio and Trio II, making all three artists living American legends.
A longtime social activist, Harris has lent her voice to many causes. She is active in cultural preservation issues, notably the Country Music Foundation and the Grand Ole Opry. As an animal rights activist and the owner of several dogs and cats, Emmylou also supports PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the Humane Society. Since 1997 she has been the most visible spokesperson for the Campaign for a Landmine Free World, drawing public attention and notable musical artists to the cause.
Away in a Manger
Emmylou Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus
No crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus!
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle
'Til morning is nigh.
The lyrics to Emmylou Harris's song Away in a Manger, tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It describes the circumstances surrounding his birth - that he was born in a manger as there was no crib for him to sleep in. This represents the humble beginnings of Jesus despite him being the son of God. He lay his head down on the hay, which is a strong symbol of poverty and simplicity. Despite the circumstances, the stars in the sky look down on him and reflect the wonder of the miracle of God's birth.
The second verse describes the peacefulness around the sleeping baby Jesus. The cattle are lowing and the baby awakes, but Jesus does not cry. The third verse is a prayer to Jesus Christ. The singer expresses their love for Jesus and begs him to stay with them until morning. The imagery in this song is powerful as it creates a vivid image of the birth of Jesus and the simplicity of his surroundings. The song is often sung during the Christmas season and symbolizes the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger,
The Lord Jesus is lying in a manger with no crib to rest on.
No crib for his bed,
There is no place for him to rest except the manger.
The little Lord Jesus
We see the image of Baby Jesus here.
Laid down his sweet head.
Jesus peacefully laid his head down to rest.
The stars in the bright sky
The stars shining in the night sky above Him.
Looked down where he lay,
The stars are watching over his resting spot.
The little Lord Jesus
The focus is back on the baby.
Asleep on the hay.
He is resting on the hay in the manger.
The cattle are lowing,
The cows are making noise.
The baby awakes,
Jesus has awakened to the sounds.
But little Lord Jesus
Despite being awakened, Jesus is still calm.
No crying he makes.
He doesn't cry or fuss despite being awakened.
I love you, Lord Jesus!
A prayer is being said declaring love for Jesus.
Look down from the sky,
The pray asks Jesus to hear and watch over.
And stay by my cradle
The prayer asks for company and guidance.
'Til morning is nigh.
The prayer wants guidance until morning comes.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Public Domain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind