Away In a Manger
The Bands and Choir of The Salvation Army & Ilford Songsters Lyrics
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No crib for His 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 poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side
'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
The song "Away in a Manger" is a beautiful and heartwarming Christmas carol that tells the story of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the manger. The opening line sets the scene of a humble manger with no crib for the baby to sleep in. The second line paints a vivid picture of the infant Jesus as he lays his sweet head down to rest. The following line, "The stars in the sky looked down where He lay" reminds the listener that even the heavens stopped to watch the momentous occasion.
The second half of the first verse introduces the idea that there were animals present in the manger. The cattle lowed, or made a low, mournful sound, and the baby Jesus was awakened. However, despite this disturbance, the baby Jesus did not cry, which is symbolic of his divine nature. Instead, he remained peaceful, which leads into the second verse where the singer expresses their love for him and requests that he stay close.
The final verse becomes more reflective, expressing gratitude and devotion towards the Lord Jesus. The singer asks that he remain close by their side forever and bless all the dear children in his tender care. The final line acknowledges the ultimate goal for all who believe in Christ, to be taken to heaven and to live with him there.
From the lyrics, it's clear that this is a simple and beautiful song with a message that is still relevant today. It's no surprise that it has become one of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The Lord Jesus was born in a humble place, without the luxury of a bed meant for a newborn baby.
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head
The child, Jesus, rested peacefully in the hay with His tiny head gently lying down.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
The stars in the sky shone brightly and cast their light on the place where the child, Jesus, was sleeping.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
The little Lord Jesus slept soundly on His bed of hay.
The cattle are lowing the poor baby awakes
The cattle made lowing noises which woke up the poor baby Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes
Despite being woken up by the cattle, the little Lord Jesus did not cry or make a fuss.
I love thee Lord Jesus look down from the sky
The singer expresses their affection for the Lord Jesus and wishes for Him to look down upon them from the heavens.
And stay by my cradle till morning is night
The artist requests for the Lord Jesus to remain by their side until morning turns into night.
Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay
The artist implores the Lord Jesus to stay close to them and be present in their life.
Close by me forever and love me I pray
The artist prays for the Lord Jesus to love them and always be by their side.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
The singer asks for the Lord Jesus to bless and take care of all the children who are dear to Him.
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there
Finally, the artist hopes that they will be taken to Heaven to live with the Lord Jesus for eternity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TRAD, Eric Clapton, Simon Climie, PD TRADITIONAL, ALF CLAUSEN, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind