Away In a Manger
Jackie Evancho Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
I love the Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle 'till 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 the there
And take us to heaven to live with the there

Overall Meaning

The song "Away In A Manger" is a Christmas carol that tells a simple story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins with the description of the environment in which Jesus was born - a manger with no crib for his bed. The concept of Jesus being born in a manger with no proper bed signifies the humble and pure nature of the birth. The next verse portrays the peaceful and serene environment where the stars in the sky looked down on him as the little Lord Jesus lay down his head on some hay.


The third verse describes the cattle that were around the place where Jesus was born, making noises and waking up the poor baby. However, the little Lord Jesus does not cry, which highlights again the calm and divine nature of the birth. The next verse shows the singer expressing her love for Jesus and asking him to stay close by her cradle until morning light. The last verse is a prayer asking Jesus to bless all the children and keep them in his tender care while also asking him to take them to heaven so they may live with him.


Overall, the song has a reflective, peaceful, and devotional tone. The song symbolizes the purity and innocence of Jesus and his acceptance of all, including the poor and helpless.


Line by Line Meaning

Away in a manger, no crib for his bed
Despite his status, the little Lord Jesus had a humble beginning with no fancy items like a crib for his bed.


The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
The baby Jesus peacefully rested and slept soundly.


The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
Even the stars up above took notice of the birth of Jesus and watched over him.


The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus was soothed by resting on the hay as he slumbered.


The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes
The sound of the cattle mooing disturbed the sleeping Jesus.


But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Despite being woken up, Jesus didn't cry or fuss.


I love the Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
I admire and worship the Lord Jesus and ask him to see me from heaven above.


And stay by my cradle 'till morning is nigh
I implore Jesus, to stay with me until morning arrives as I sleep in my cradle.


Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
I humbly request the Lord Jesus to be close to me and to never leave my side.


Close by me forever, and love me I pray
I pray for Jesus's eternal love, guidance and affection to be with me forever.


Bless all the dear Children in thy tender care
May Jesus bless all the children under his tender care and protection.


And take us to heaven to live with the there
May Jesus take all of us to heaven to live with him forever.




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