Loretta Lynn (April 14, 1932 - October 4, 2022) was an American country sin… Read Full Bio ↴Loretta Lynn (April 14, 1932 - October 4, 2022) was an American country singer who was the leading country female vocalist during much of the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1970s she became one of the most famous women in all of America and frequently made "most admired women" polls alongside first ladies and world leaders.

Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Van Lear, Kentucky in 1932. According to Songfacts, Loretta Lynn's superstar Country career started in 1960 when she recorded " I'm a Honky Tonk Girl " as her debut single. The song was a minor hit, climbing to #14 on Billboard's C&W Chart. By the late 1960s she had begun picking up various Female Vocalist of the Year trophies and in 1972 the singer became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year trophy. Lynn dominated the Country charts throughout the rest of the decade and has continued to record hit records through the ensuing years. Her 50th anniversary year began with the award of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement on January 31, 2010.

Lynn released over 70 albums. She is the sister of country singer Crystal Gayle (born in Paintsville, Kentucky) and Peggy Sue, and is a cousin of Patty Loveless. Her father was a coal miner in Van Lear. Her biography was made into the 1980 film, Coal Miner's Daughter.

Away In a Manger
Loretta Lynn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 poor baby awakes
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 takes us for heaven to live with thee there

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Loretta Lynn's "Away in a Manger" tell the classic story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The first verse explains the humble setting in which Jesus was born, with no crib for a bed and only a pile of hay to sleep on. The second verse paints a picture of the peaceful scene, with the stars shining down on the newborn child as he peacefully sleeps. In the third verse, we see the cattle in the stable stirring and awakening the baby, but still he does not cry. The fourth and final verse is a prayer to Jesus, asking him to stay close and protect the singer and all children, and ultimately take them to heaven.

The song itself is a Christmas carol that is sung worldwide to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It has been covered by many artists throughout the years, from country singers to pop stars to gospel choirs. Interestingly, it was believed to be written by Martin Luther in the 16th century, but recent scholars have disputed this claim. Regardless of its origin, "Away in a Manger" continues to be a beloved part of Christmas traditions worldwide.

Line by Line Meaning

Away in a manger no crib for a bed
The newborn Lord Jesus had no luxurious bed to rest in

The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head
The infant Lord Jesus rested his head somewhere

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay
The bright stars gazed down at the location of his resting place

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The infant Lord Jesus safely slept in the hay

The cattle are lowing the poor baby awakes
The cows made noises that awakened the innocent baby Jesus

But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Despite being awakened, the baby Jesus didn't cry

I love the Lord Jesus look down from the sky
I adore the Lord Jesus, and I'm looking up towards the heavens

And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh
I ask the Lord Jesus to stay beside my crib till daybreak

Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask thee to stay
I implore the Lord Jesus to be close to me

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray
I ask that the Lord Jesus stays by my side always and love me

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
May the compassionate Lord bless all the innocent children in his loving embrace

And takes us for heaven to live with thee there
May the Lord take us to heaven to live with him eternally

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Integrity Music, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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