Away In a Manger
Songs For Children Lyrics
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No crib for a bed
The little lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Look down where he lay
The little lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
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 side
Until morning is nigh
Be near me Lord JEsus
I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all he dear children
In thy tender care
And fit us for heaven
To live with thee there
The song "Away In A Manger" is a Christmas carol that describes the nativity scene and the birth of baby Jesus. The opening line, "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed," immediately sets the scene of the baby Jesus being born in a humble and simple stable instead of a grand palace. However, despite the poor conditions, the baby Jesus is still celebrated and loved. The second line, "The little lord Jesus laid down his sweet head," emphasizes the innocence and purity of the baby Jesus, who is referred to as the "little lord."
The third and fourth lines talk about the stars shining down on the baby Jesus as he sleeps on the hay. This image emphasizes the peaceful and quiet moment and reinforces the idea of the birth of Jesus being a miracle. The fifth and sixth lines describe the cattle lowing, and the baby Jesus awakening, but not crying, which symbolizes the perfect and divine nature of Jesus.
The rest of the song speaks to the singer's unconditional love for Jesus and the request for the presence of Jesus in their lives. The final lines, "Bless all the dear children in thy tender care and fit us for heaven to live with thee there," are a prayer for humanity to share in the love of Jesus and the hope of redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger
In a stable or animal shelter somewhere
No crib for a bed
No proper bed or place to sleep
The little lord Jesus
Jesus Christ, as a baby
Laid down his sweet head
Resting with closed eyes
The stars in the bright sky
The bright sky, with stars shining
Look down where he lay
Watching where he was sleeping
The little lord Jesus
Jesus Christ, as a baby
Asleep on the hay
Resting on a bed made of hay
The cattle are lowing
The cows are making noises
The baby awakes
He wakes up from the noise
But little Lord Jesus
Although he is a baby and vulnerable
No crying he makes
He does not cry
I love thee Lord Jesus
I cherish and adore you, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
Watch over us from heaven
And stay by my side
Be with me always
Until morning is nigh
Until the morning comes
Be near me Lord Jesus
Stay with me always, Lord Jesus
I ask thee to stay
I beg you to remain with me
Close by me forever
To be with me always and forever
And love me I pray
I pray that you will love me
Bless all he dear children
Bestow blessings to all children, dear to our hearts
In thy tender care
Under your loving protection
And fit us for heaven
Help us prepare for heaven
To live with thee there
So we can live with you in heaven
Writer(s): Public Domain, Tim Farrell
Contributed by Riley I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.