Away In a Manger
Kitty Well Lyrics

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Away in a manger no crib for a 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 baby awakes but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
I love Thee 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 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 Thee there

Away in a manger no crib for his bed...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Away in a Manger" depict the humble birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The first verse describes the place where Jesus was laid to rest, indicating that there was no proper crib or bed for him, and he had to lay down his head on hay. The second verse suggests that the sky was filled with stars that looked down where Jesus lay. It then states that even though the cattle around him made noise, Jesus did not cry, alluding to the idea that he was an uncomplaining and calm child.

The third verse is a prayer from the child's perspective, beseeching Jesus to stay beside them until morning and be there with them forever. It then moves on to bless all the children who are under Jesus' tender care and wishes that they are taken to heaven to live with him. The final line repeats the first verse, closing with a peaceful melody.

Overall, the song also portrays the love and devotion of the singer towards Jesus, with lines such as "I love Thee Lord Jesus" and "And love me I pray." The tune is often played at Christmas time, reminding the listeners of the humble beginnings of Jesus Christ and the love he brought into the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Away in a manger no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head without a crib to rest upon.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay
The heavenly stars gazed upon the little Lord Jesus in his humble resting place.

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The infant Lord Jesus slept peacefully on a bed of fragrant hay.

The cattle are lowing the baby awakes
The lowing of cattle stirred the little Lord Jesus from his slumber.

But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Though awakened, the little Lord Jesus remained calm and did not cry out.

I love Thee Lord Jesus look down from the sky
The singer expresses her love and admiration for the Lord Jesus, and requests his divine attention.

And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh
The singer asks the Lord Jesus to remain with her by the cradle throughout the night.

Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay
The singer begs the Lord Jesus to remain close to her and to never leave her side.

By me forever and love me I pray
The singer desires that the Lord Jesus love and protect her always.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
The singer prays for the Lord Jesus to bless and watch over all of his precious children.

And take us to heaven to live with Thee there
The singer hopes that the Lord Jesus will one day take his followers to heaven to live eternally with him.

Away in a manger no crib for his bed...
The first line is repeated, emphasizing the humble and modest circumstances in which the little Lord Jesus was born.

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