Away In a Manger
The Campbells Lyrics
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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 thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
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 fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
"Away in a Manger" is a traditional Christmas carol that paints a picture of the night on which Jesus Christ was born. The gentle lullaby-like rhythm of the song characterizes the tenderness of the scene in which the Lord Jesus, a newborn babe, is softly sleeping in the hay of a manger. The first stanza of the song specifically describes the humble origins of the Savior's birth. There was no crib for his bed, no warm blankets to wrap him in: just a bed of hay in a stable. The only light in the night sky was that of the stars shining down brightly upon the manger where he lay.
The second stanza of the song speaks to the peacefulness of the baby sleeping in the manger. As the cattle around him low and make noise, the baby Jesus does not cry. Rather, he sleeps soundly, an image that is at once serene and comforting. The third and final stanza is a prayer directed at the baby, asking the Lord Jesus to bless and watch over all children, while at the same time seeking his guidance, care, and love. The song is a gentle and intimate depiction of the humility, humanity, and grace that are at the heart of the Christian message.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
In a manger, where animals feed, there was no suitable place for baby Jesus to sleep
the little Lord Jesus laid down his Sweet head.
Despite the discomfort, baby Jesus lay down his head to rest
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The divine beings witnessed the humble birth of Jesus Christ under the radiant stars above
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
God's son, the little Lord Jesus, fell asleep on the bed of hay
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
A disturbance from the cattle caused the baby Jesus to wake up
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
Although he was disturbed, the little Lord Jesus did not cry
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
I express my love and affection for you, Lord Jesus. Please keep watch from the heavens above
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Lord Jesus, stay with me until the night passes and a new day begins
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Stay close to me, Lord Jesus. I beg you to remain by my side
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Be by my side always with your boundless love
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
Offer your blessings to all the children you protect and nurture with your tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
Prepare us for the afterlife in heaven, where we can live with you eternally
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, EVAN JOLLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind