Away In a Manger
Randy Travis (Holiday) Lyrics


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Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid 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, he wakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle, 'til 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 take us to heaven to live with thee there
And take us to heaven to live with thee there

Overall Meaning

The song "Away In A Manger" is a popular Christmas carol that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. The first verse describes a setting where the baby Jesus sleeps in a manger because there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn. The second verse continues with a description of the cattle's lowing voice stirring the baby, but the little Lord Jesus doesn't cry. The third verse is a prayer asking Jesus to remain near the singer and to love and bless all the children under his care.


In general, this song is a prayer that reflects on the humility and simplicity of Jesus’ birth. It speaks of the way that Jesus was born, in a manger, and how it was a peaceful and quiet night in Bethlehem. Without any grandeur or extravagance, the little Lord Jesus is seen as one to be loved, and the gentle tone of the song evokes a sense of peace, calm, and hope for all.


Line by Line Meaning

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The Lord Jesus was born in a barn because there was no room in the inn.


The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
Baby Jesus was sleeping peacefully in his makeshift bed of straw.


The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The stars above witnessed the birth of the Son of God.


The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The baby Jesus was resting peacefully on a bed of hay.


The cattle are lowing the baby, he wakes
The cattle are making noise and awakened the baby Jesus.


But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes
Although awakened, baby Jesus does not cry.


I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
The singer declares their love for Jesus and asks Him to watch over them.


And stay by my cradle, 'til morning is nigh
The artist asks Jesus to remain with them until the morning.


Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
The artist once more requests that Jesus remain close to them.


Close by me forever and love me I pray
The artist prays to be loved by Jesus and to be close to Him indefinitely.


Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
The singer requests that Jesus bless and care for all the children of the world.


And take us to heaven to live with thee there
The artist asks Jesus to take them, along with all the children, to Heaven to be together forever.


And take us to heaven to live with thee there
The singer reiterates their request to be taken to Heaven, to live with Jesus eternally.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, K - M MUSIC INC
Written by: WM. J. KIRKPATRICK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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