In 1968, the predecessor of the Juno’s named The Irish Rovers Canada’s, “Folk Group of the Year”, and the following year, they received a Grammy nomination for “Folk Performance of the Year”.
As hosts of three national television series in Canada and Ireland, through the 1970's and 80s, The Irish Rovers increased the popularity of Irish music by way of the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).
Canada's Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, personally asked the band if they could “please become Canadian” so that they could officially represent Canada throughout the world. Since then, they have represented Canada at no less than five world Expos, and in recognition for a quarter century of contributions to the International music world, The Irish Rovers won the Performing Rights Organization's (PROCAN) 'Harold Moon Award'.
Although all members of the band hail from Ireland, a number of their biggest hits were often "non-Irish". Their own rousing, traditional Irish compositions, however, do comprise the bulk of their music.
By the 90’s, their songwriting was even more prolific than their early years, and production of albums wasn’t about to slow down. Since they desired the freedom that as a younger band, they could not afford, in ’93 The Irish Rovers established their own record company, Rover Records. Their songs tell the story of the Irish, whether it’s a lost love, a sailor on leave, or the simple good taste of a Guinness. Rover Records has put out their last eleven albums, including Celtic Collection, Come Fill Up Your Glasses, Down by the Lagan Side, Another Round, Still Rovin', a Christmas album, and their greatest hits, 40 Years A-Rovin'.
Founding member George Millar is from Ballymena, original member Wilcil McDowell is from Larne, John Reynolds from Belfast, Sean O'Driscoll from Cork, Ian Millar from Ballymena, and percussionist Fred Graham is also from Belfast.
Former members include founding member Jimmy Ferguson who passed away in 1997 and Joe Millar.
Away In a Manger
The Irish Rovers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The little Lord Jesus lay 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.
Sweet bells they ring, they ring out the news today,
That Christ was born, was born on Christmas day,
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me for ever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there.
Sweet bells they ring they ring out the news
That Christ was born, was born on Christmas Day,
That Christ was born, was born on Christmas day.
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The little lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The Irish Rovers' rendition of "Away in a Manger" is a classic Christmas carol that tells the story of Jesus' birth in a humble manger. The song begins by describing the scene where Jesus was born, with no crib available for him to rest his head, so he lay down on the hay. The stars in the sky shine their light upon the little baby. The second verse describes how the cattle were lowing, and even though the newborn baby is awake, he makes no sound. The singer declares their love for Jesus and asks him to look down from the sky and stay by their side till the morning comes.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The baby, Jesus, was laid down in a manger since there was no crib available.
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
Jesus peacefully laid down his head in the manger.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The stars shone down on Jesus lying in the manger.
The little lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The baby Jesus was sound asleep on the hay in the manger.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The cows and other animals in the stable made noises, awakening the baby Jesus.
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
Although woken up, Baby Jesus did not cry.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
The singer expresses their love for Jesus and prays for his guidance.
And stay by my side till morning is nigh.
Asking for Jesus to be with them throughout the night.
Sweet bells they ring, they ring out the news today,
The ringing of the bells announces the good news of Jesus' birth.
That Christ was born, was born on Christmas day,
Jesus Christ was born on the day that is now celebrated as Christmas day.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
The singer requests Jesus to stay near them.
Close by me for ever and love me, I pray.
Asking for Jesus' eternal love and companionship.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
Asking Jesus to bless all children who are under his love and care.
And take us to Heaven to live with Thee there.
Praying to be taken to heaven to live with Jesus.
Sweet bells they ring they ring out the news
The joyous sound of the bells continues to ring out the news of Jesus' birth.
That Christ was born, was born on Christmas Day,
Reiterating the fact that Jesus Christ was born on the day that is now celebrated as Christmas day.
Writer(s): Traditional, Steve Mac, David Arch, Simon Cowell
Contributed by Sadie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ian Burt
on Bluenose
You have missed out a verse.