Away In a Manger
The Vienna Boys Choir & London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics

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Away in a-a manger
No-o crib for a bed
The-e little Lord Jesus
Lai-aid down his sweet head
The stars in the-e bright sky
Loo-ooked down where he lay
The-e little Lord Jesus
A-asleep on the hay

The cattle are-are lowing
The-e baby awakes
Bu-ut little Lord Jesus
No-o crying he makes
I love thee, Lor-ord Jesus!
Loo-ook down from the sky
A-and stay by my side
Unti-il morning is nigh

Be near me Lo-ord Jesus
I-I ask thee to stay
Clo-ose by me forever
A-and love me I pray
Bless all the dear-ear children
I-in thy te-ender care-are

And fit us for heaven
To-oo live wi-ith thee-ee there

Overall Meaning

The song "Away in a Manger" is a traditional Christmas carol that beautifully depicts the humble birth of Lord Jesus. The first verse of the song paints a picture of Lord Jesus' birthplace, which is a crude stable with no crib to lay His head in. It is then stated that the little Lord Jesus rests on a bed of hay with stars shining down on him from the bright sky above. The second verse goes on to depict the peacefulness and quietness of the night by mentioning how the cattle are lowing, but the baby awakes with no crying.

The third verse is a prayer-like one where the singer professes their love for the Lord Jesus and asks Him to stay near until the morning. The final verse extends the prayer and bestows blessings on all the children under the tender care of Lord Jesus. In conclusion, "Away in a Manger" celebrates the miraculous birth of Lord Jesus and allows the listener to delve deeper into the emotions that the people present might have felt during that eventful night.

Line by Line Meaning

Away in a-a manger
The Lord Jesus was laid in a manger

No-o crib for a bed
He didn't have a crib to sleep in

The-e little Lord Jesus
Jesus, who is small, is the Lord

Lai-aid down his sweet head
He rested his humble head and was peaceful

The stars in the-e bright sky
The shining stars looked down where he lay

Loo-ooked down where he lay
They gazed upon him where he laid

The-e little Lord Jesus
The Lord, who is small, is Jesus

A-asleep on the hay
He was asleep on the straw

The cattle are-are lowing
The cows are lowing

The-e baby awakes
The baby wakes up

Bu-ut little Lord Jesus
However, the Lord is still small and humble