The Boys' Choir Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Away in a-a manger
No-o crib for a bed
The-e little Lord Jesus
Lai-aid down his sweet head
The stars in the-e bright sky
Loo-ooked down where he lay
The-e little Lord Jesus
A-asleep on the hay

The cattle are-are lowing
The-e baby awakes
Bu-ut little Lord Jesus
No-o crying he makes
I love thee, Lor-ord Jesus!
Loo-ook down from the sky
A-and stay by my side
Unti-il morning is nigh

Be near me Lo-ord Jesus
I-I ask thee to stay
Clo-ose by me forever
A-and love me I pray
Bless all the dear-ear children
I-in thy te-ender care-are

And fit us for heaven
To-oo live wi-ith thee-ee there

Overall Meaning

The song "Away in a Manger" is a classic Christmas carol that expresses the awe and beauty of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse reflects on the humble circumstances in which Jesus was born, laid down in a manger without a crib. The second verse describes the cattle lowing, awakening the baby Jesus. However, unlike other babies, Jesus doesn't cry but instead lays calmly in the hay. The third verse is a prayer to the Lord, asking Him to be near and stay with the singer until morning comes. The final verse is a blessing for all children, asking Jesus to bless and care for them and to guide them to heaven to live with Him forever. The song has a peaceful and calming effect, making it a popular Christmas carol during the holiday season.

Line by Line Meaning

Away in a-a manger
The Lord Jesus was laid in a manger

No-o crib for a bed
There was no proper bed for him

The-e little Lord Jesus
The Christ Child is small and young

Lai-aid down his sweet head
He was asleep and looked peaceful

The stars in the-e bright sky
The sky was filled with bright stars

Loo-ooked down where he lay
The stars shone down on him as he slept

The-e little Lord Jesus
The Christ Child is small and young

A-asleep on the hay
He was sleeping on hay in his manger

The cattle are-are lowing
The cows were mooing

The-e baby awakes
The baby wakes up

Bu-ut little Lord Jesus
But the Christ Child, even when he wakes up, is not fussy or crying