In 1994, Plankeye released Spill, their first album, which was able to garner enough sales to catch the interest of Tooth and Nail Records. Spill was re-released on Tooth and Nail, as Plankeye went into the studio again to record a slightly less aggressive album, The Spark. In 1996, Plankeye released Commonwealth, which introduced a more polished and mature sound. Over the course of the next year, the group toured constantly, opening for the Newsboys. In November 1997, the group released their best selling album, The One & Only. To promote this album, Plankeye headlined "The One & Only Tour", featuring opening act, the Insyderz. One year later, lead singer Scott Siletta and drummer Adam Ferry left Plankeye to form the short-lived pop-punk band Fanmail. Siletta later formed a record label called "Vanishing Point Records" with a lineup including his new band "The Franchise".
In 1999, Balmer and Garcia released Relocation on a new record label, BEC Recordings. This album featured Plankeye's heartfelt single, "Goodbye". Some wondered if this song was subtly referencing Scott and Adam's departure from the band, something which Eric and Luis refuted.
In 2001, Plankeye's song, "When It Comes", was chosen by MP3.com to be included on their radio show 'The Download'. Plankeye beat out 12,000 or so other Alternative bands on MP3.com to get on the show.
In spring of 2001, Kevin Poush and Louie Ruiz joined Plankeye to record Plankeye's most experimental album to date, Strange Exchange. In 2002, Poush and Ruiz left the band, and Balmer and Garcia recorded Wings to Fly, a greatest-of compilation which also had 6 new songs including a re-recording of "Bicycle", from Commonwealth.
After Plankeye broke up, Eric Balmer formed a band called Fielding with his wife, Beth.
Away In a Manger
Plankeye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head,
The stars in the bright 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 you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
The song 'Away in a Manger' written by an anonymous writer has been a popular Christmas hymn for many years. This beautiful hymn opens with an image of the newborn Jesus lying peacefully in a manger with no crib to rest his head. The writer expresses the fact that even though little Jesus is in a humble manger surrounded by animals, the bright stars in the sky are looking down upon him. The opening lines of the song invite the listener to visualize the birth of Christ in a unique way, and it's clear from the start that this is a special and holy moment.
As the song progresses, the writer describes how the cattle in the manger are lowing because they have been awakened by the baby's cries. However, little Lord Jesus does not cry. The writer acknowledges the Lord's peacefulness and notes that despite being a newborn baby, he is not fussy, but is calm and collected. Then, the writer expresses a deep love for Jesus and invites him to come to be near to them. It's a beautiful expression of faith, as the writer opens their heart up to Jesus and invites him in to help guide them through their life.
In the final verse, the writer expresses a desire for the Lord to stay close to them forever and love them. The writer closes with a blessing and prayer for all of the children in Jesus's tender care, and for blessing, guidance and help in their lives. The song 'Away in a Manger' is a beautiful expression of faith, love, and hope that has been appreciated and sung by many for generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
Even though there was no crib, Jesus was born and laid in a manger
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
Baby Jesus slept peacefully and comfortably
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay
The heavens bore witness to Jesus's humble birth
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus rested peacefully on a bed of straw
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The sounds of the animals woke up the baby Jesus
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Although the baby woke up, he did not cry
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
The singer expresses their love for Jesus and asks for his blessing
And stay by my side until morning is nigh
They ask Jesus to stay with them and watch over them throughout the night
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
The singer requests for Jesus to remain close to them
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray
They ask for Jesus's eternal presence and love
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
They ask Jesus to bless and protect all children in his loving care
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there
They pray to be ready to join Jesus in heaven when their time on Earth is done.
Writer(s): Traditional Public Domain, Christopher Vane
Contributed by Kaylee C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joshuatanner6409
I miss Plankeye. I wish the original lineup would get back together.
@JohnO318
Nice sound.