Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Away in a Manger
Gladys Knight & The Pips 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 Gladys Knight & The Pips's song Away in a Manger are deeply religious and sentimental. The song is about the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger, and the feelings and emotions that come with it. The first two lines establish the setting of the song, with the singer telling us that there was no crib for the baby Jesus to sleep in, and so he had to lay down his sweet head in a humble and rustic manger. The image that is created is one of simplicity and innocence, which sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The second verse introduces us to the idea that the baby Jesus doesn't cry, despite being awakened by the cattle. The singer expresses their love for Jesus and asks him to stay with them until morning. This verse is a gentle reminder that Jesus is always present and watching over those who put their faith in him. The final verse is a plea for Jesus to remain near, to love and protect the singer forever. The final lines of the song are a reminder that Jesus loves all children, and that he has prepared a place for them in heaven.
Overall, the lyrics to Away in a Manger are a beautiful expression of faith and devotion. The song reminds us that even in the humblest of circumstances, God's love is always present.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The baby Jesus had no proper place to rest, so he lay in a manger.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
Despite his humble surroundings, the baby Jesus was peaceful and at rest.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
Even nature recognized the significance of the birth of Jesus.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The baby Jesus slept soundly on a bed of hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The sound of the animals around Jesus caused him to stir from his sleep.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
Despite being awakened, the baby Jesus did not cry or fuss.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
The singer expresses their love and devotion to Jesus, asking him to be present in their life.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
The artist asks Jesus to be with them through the night, until morning comes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
The artist continues to invite Jesus to be close to them, asking him to stay with them forever.
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
The artist asks for Jesus' love and presence to be with them throughout their life.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
The singer asks Jesus to bless all children and protect them with his love and care.
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
The artist asks Jesus to help them prepare for eternal life in heaven, where they hope to live with him.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DP, REBA MCENTIRE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind