With a contract to Mercury Records (1975), McEntire began her professional career singing heavily pop-influenced ballads, a far cry from the neotraditionalist movement she would help lead a few years later.
"I Don't Want To Be A One Night Stand" became her first charting single in 1976. Her first Top 10 hit "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" followed four years later, and in 1982 she scored her first #1 hit with "Can't Even Get The Blues."
Frustrated at her limited commercial success, McEntire left Mercury and signed with MCA Records in 1984. 1984's "Just A Little Love" wasn't much different form her Mercury material and was only moderately successful. However, another album followed later that same year, titled "My Kind of Country." This was a return-to-roots record, complete with fiddles and steel. It was comprised largely of covers of classic country songs, as well as original songs such as "How Blue" and the Harlan Howard-penned "Somebody Should Leave", both of which reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
In the early 1990s McEntire expanded her audience by adopting a softer, more pop-oriented sound. She became one of the best-selling country artists of all time, releasing three volumes of greatest hits collections.
Since that first #1 hit in 1982, she's forked out 21 more chartbusters, which are all recapped on "Reba #1s" released on November 22nd, 2005. The 2-disc compilation features all 22 number one singles (according to Billboard magazine) in chronological order, including two new tracks "You're Gonna Be" and "Love Needs A Holiday." "Reba #1s" also contains 11 singles that reached the #1 spot in publications other than Billboard.
She won the Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music Association four times in a row (a record she holds with Martina McBride), and had dozens of Top Ten hits during the 80s. For her contribution to the recording industry, Reba McEntire has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. In 1995, she was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She is one of only six solo women (others include Shania Twain, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Taylor Swift), to win the Country Music Association's highest honor, "Entertainer Of The Year". McEntire continued to hit the charts through the 2000s, as well as appearing in television and film, most notably Tremors, a cult horror movie series, Forever Love, and One Night at McCool's. She also starred as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway, receiving critical acclaim.
From 2001 to 2007, Reba starred in the hit WB television show, Reba (with Texan actor Christopher Rich as her philandering ex-husband), even getting a visit from fellow country star Dolly Parton who played Reba's character's supervisor at a real estate firm.
Away in a Manger
Reba McEntire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down his sweet head
The stars in the sky
Look down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The little Lord Jesus
No crying he makes
I love you Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh
Be near me Lord Jesus
I ask you to stay
Close by me forever
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" is a well-known Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the first verse, we hear about how the little Lord Jesus was born in a humble stable where he laid his head on a bed of hay, as there was no crib for him to sleep in. The second verse talks about how the baby awakes to the light of the candles in the stable, but does not cry. The child is dedicated to Jesus, and the song expresses a deep love and reverence for him.
The third verse is a prayer asking for Jesus to stay near and love the singer forever. It is a touching expression of devotion and trust in the Lord. The final verse asks that Jesus bless all the dear children in his care and prepare them for a place in heaven. It is a hopeful call to follow the teachings of Jesus and to seek after the eternal life he promises.
Interestingly, there are two versions of this song with different lyrics for the first line. The first version, which is the more well-known version, begins with "Away in a manger." The second version begins with "Away in a manger, no crib for His bed," and is often referred to as the "Authentic Version." Additionally, the origins of the song are unclear. It is rumored to have been written by Martin Luther, but there is no evidence of this.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger
In a place away from the hustle and bustle of the world, there lies a humble dwelling.
No crib for a bed
There was no proper bed made for the baby to rest.
The little Lord Jesus
The Son of God, who came in human form and lay in a manger.
Lay down his sweet head
Laid down His head to rest with a sweet and peaceful demeanor.
The stars in the sky
The sky was adorned with beautiful stars.
Look down where he lay
The stars shone down upon the baby in the manger.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The baby Jesus was sleeping soundly on the hay bed.
The candles are glowing the baby awakes
As the candles glow, the baby wakes up.
The little Lord Jesus
The baby Jesus, who is now awake.
No crying he makes
The baby did not cry and was calm and peaceful.
I love you Lord Jesus
A declaration of love and affection towards the Lord Jesus.
Look down from the sky
A request for Jesus to look down from the heavens.
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh
A plea for the Lord to watch over the infant until morning.
Be near me Lord Jesus
A desire for the Lord to be close and present in their lives.
I ask you to stay
A request to remain with the individual requesting the Lord's presence.
Close by me forever
A wish for the Lord to be forever present with them.
And love me I pray
A prayer for God's love and affection.
Bless all the dear children
A plea for the Lord to bless all the children in his care.
In your tender care
A hope and trust that the children are being taken care of with love and tenderness.
And fit us for heaven to live with you there
Requesting for God to prepare individuals for a place in heaven beside Him.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: . TRADITIONAL, MICHAEL PHILIP MCGLYNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joyce Catania
Another beautiful Christmas song. I love your voice as it brings meaning to the lyrics. May God bless you and your family during this Holiday season! ❤
Fred Johnson
How are you doing today..??
Akari Allen
I love to hear you singing Reba! My aunt was a huge fan. I gpt my love for your singing from her. She is up in Heaven now and I listen to your songs everyday!
Theresa Martens Deselms
Such a Beautiful Gospel song Spectacular singing Reba McEntire sings like Angel God Bless her always 🙏🏻✝️😇🙏🏻💯
BRENDA STOUGH
Beautiful voice and beautiful songs she sings. Love you Reba !!!!!❤❤
Shelia Miller
Beautiful song and voice . Merry Christmas Reba and family.
Fred Johnson
How are you doing today..??
Elizabeth Mchugh
Just found Reba singing this just wanted to say thanks for posting it's absolutely beautiful a pure delight to listen to sending love and hope always
Erik Bihari
Even an aspect I don't care for in the holidays is sweeter thanks to This woman's honey vocals.
Carol Loel
Song is beautiful and I love Reba I love her voice