He recorded and performed primarily with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his disdain for city life, his enthusiasm for music, and his relationship trials. Denver's music appeared on a variety of charts, including country music, the Billboard Hot 100, and adult contemporary, in all earning him twelve gold and four platinum albums with his signature songs "Take Me Home, Country Roads", "Annie's Song", "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", and "Sunshine on My Shoulders".
Denver starred in films and several notable television specials in the 1970s and 1980s. He continued to record in the 1990s, also focusing on environmental issues by lending vocal support to space exploration and testifying in front of Congress in protest against censorship in music. He lived in Aspen, Colorado for much of his life and was known for his love of Colorado which he sang about numerous times. In 1974 Denver was named poet laureate of the state. The Colorado state legislature also adopted "Rocky Mountain High" as one of its two state songs in 2007. Denver was an avid pilot and died at the age of 53 in a single-fatality crash of his personal experimental aircraft.
Away In a Manger
John Denver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 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
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 lyrics of John Denver's "Away in a Manger" are a beautiful and touching reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse describes the simple scene of the newborn savior lying in a manger because there was no place for him in the inn. The stars above serve as an ethereal backdrop, lending an otherworldly quality to what would otherwise be an ordinary setting for a baby. The second verse acknowledges that the animals are present, lowing and probably making other noises that might ordinarily wake a baby. But Jesus doesn't cry, as if he is already fulfilling his destiny to be a symbol of peace among all living things.
The third verse is a prayer to Jesus, expressing the singer's devotion and asking for his company through the night. As the night comes to an end and morning is near, the fourth verse turns more universal, asking for Jesus to be close forever and love everyone. The verse closes with a blessing for all children in Jesus' care, acknowledging not only his love but also his ability to bring everyone to heaven.
Overall, "Away in a Manger" is a beautiful and spiritual testament to the story of Jesus' birth. It highlights the humble beginnings of God's son and the love that he brings to all who believe in him.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger no crib for his bed
The little Lord Jesus had no proper place to rest.
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
Jesus, as a baby, rested his head softly.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay
The night sky shone brightly and looked upon Jesus's resting place.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus slept peacefully on a bed of hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The cows were making noise and woke up the baby Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes
Despite being woken up, Jesus did not cry.
I love thee Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
The singer loves Jesus and asks for his attention from heaven.
And stay by my side 'till morning is nigh
The singer requests for Jesus to stay with them until morning comes.
Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
The singer asks Jesus to be close to them.
Close by me forever and love me, I pray
The singer asks for Jesus's love and presence for eternity.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
The singer asks Jesus to bless all children in his loving care.
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there
The singer desires to be prepared for heaven and to live with Jesus there.
Away in a manger no crib for his bed
Jesus slept in a humble place without a proper cradle.
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
Jesus, as an infant, slept peacefully.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay
The brightness of the stars could be seen where Jesus was sleeping.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus slept softly on a bed of hay.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED BOCK, JAMES R. MURRAY, J. E. SPILMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
Hey J Parker, Sorry to hear you're having these issues. Would you mind please emailing our support team an example album or track to support [at] sonichits.com?
J Parker
SonicHits just gets worse and worse. Albums that don't play,songs that don't play, tracks that are NOT the named song or even the right artist, adverts that cover content and cause the site to interrupt and buffer inthe middle of songs. I've got to find a better music site!