Their 60s hits included: "I'll Never Find Another You", "A World of Our Own" , "The Carnival is Over" (which the Seekers sung at various closing ceremonies in Australia, including Expo '88 and the Paralympics), "Someday One Day", "Walk With Me", "Morningtown Ride", and "When Will The Good Apples Fall". Their tune "Georgy Girl" in particular served as the title song of the film of the same name. These songs have had significant airplay on 'oldies' radio stations over the years.
Bruce Woodley and The Rain, The Park and Other Things's "I Am Australian", which has been recorded by The Seekers, and by singer Judith Durham with Russell Hitchcock and Mandauway Yunupingu, has become an unofficial Australian anthem.
Away In a Manger
The Seekers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
I love thee Lord Jesus look down from the sky
Away in a manger no crib for a bed
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
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 no crib for a bed
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
Asleep on the hay
The first verse of The Seekers' version of "Away in a Manger" describes the humble surroundings of Jesus' birthplace. The lyrics explain that baby Jesus was born in a manger, as there was no crib available for him to sleep in. Notably, the lyrics refer to Jesus as "the little Lord Jesus," emphasizing his divinity despite his human form. The second line of the verse talks about how Jesus rested his head ("sweet head") in the manger. The final two lines of the verse describe the scene that unfolded outside of the manger: the stars shone brightly in the night sky, providing a natural source of light, and thus highlighting the place where Jesus lay, asleep on the hay.
The second verse discusses the moment Jesus awakes from his slumber, describing how the cattle present in the stable made some noise, causing him to stir. However, the lyrics also state that Jesus did not cry ("no crying he makes") - this could be interpreted as a sign that even from a young age, Jesus was expected to show remarkable self-control and emotional maturity. After this, the lyrics are addressed to Jesus directly, with the singer confessing their love for him and asking him to stay with them through the night. The verse concludes with the singer longing for Jesus to watch over them until morning.
The third verse continues with the theme of having the Lord close by, asking him to stay and love them. The singer also turns their attention to the children who are under Jesus' care, asking the Lord to bless them and keep them safe in his "tender care". Finally, the lyrics express the hope that the Lord will help all to be ready to be with him in heaven. The verse, like the others, ends with a reiteration of the first verse's lines: describing how Jesus lay, asleep on the hay.
Overall, the song evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, envisioning Jesus as a loving and caring guardian figure who brings light into the darkness. The use of natural images such as the stars and the animals in the stable conveys a sense of rootedness to the earth - this is appropriate, for Jesus was, at his core, human.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger no crib for a bed
The place where the baby Jesus sleeps is not what one would expect.
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The baby Jesus is sleeping peacefully.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay
The heavenly bodies are witnessing Jesus’ humble birth.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus is sleeping comfortably on the straw.
The cattle are lowing the baby awakes
The mooing of cows woke up the baby Jesus.
The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Despite being woken up, Jesus isn’t crying.
I love thee Lord Jesus look down from the sky
The singer professes their love for Jesus and asks him to acknowledge.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh
The singer wants Jesus to remain with them through the night.
Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay
The singer implores Jesus to be present beside them.
Close by me forever and love me I pray
The singer’s prayer is for Jesus to always love and remain close to them.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
Jesus is asked to bless all the children under his loving care.
And fit us for Heaven to live with Thee there
The singer hopes Jesus will shape them into being worthy of entering Heaven.
Away in a manger no crib for a bed
The place where the baby Jesus sleeps is not what one would expect.
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
The baby Jesus is sleeping peacefully.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay
The heavenly bodies are witnessing Jesus’ humble birth.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus is sleeping comfortably on the straw.
Contributed by Arianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.