Born Michael Anthony Orlando Cassavitis to a Greek father and a Puerto Rican mother, he was raised in Manhattan's then-notorious Hell's Kitchen. His best friend was Freddie Prinze (who was of Puerto Rican and German descent).[citation needed]
Tony Orlando's musical career started with The Five Gents, a doo-wop group he formed. His first success came when he recorded the hit “Halfway To Paradise”. After becoming general manager at Columbia Records, he was tempted back to a recording career when he was asked to record a demo record of “Candida”. The label liked the demo so much that Tony's performance was released, under the band name “Dawn” (named after a record executive's daughter).
Joining Tony were Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, and the trio scored a string of #1 hits with “Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round The Ole Oak Tree”, “Knock Three Times”, and “Candida”. With a successful recording career, Orlando then set his sights on television which resulted in his highly rated weekly variety series on CBS. Breaking new ground, it was television's first multi-ethnic variety show. Orlando (of Hispanic and Greek origins) and Hopkins and Wilson (African Americans) were an instant hit. The show, which ran for four seasons (from 1974 to 1976), welcomed the biggest names in show business each week as Tony's guests, including his boyhood idols, Jackie Gleason and Jerry Lewis.
Away In a Manger
Tony Orlando 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.
Tony Orlando's rendition of "Away In A Manger" is a classic Christmas hymn that retells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The song begins by painting a picture of the humble surroundings in which the baby Jesus was born. As the son of God, one might expect him to have been born in a more grandiose setting, however, he was born in a manger and laid on a bed of hay. The use of the word "sweet" to describe Jesus' head suggests the innocence and purity that Christians associate with the birth of Christ.
The second verse tells us that despite the commotion of the animals, the baby Jesus remained silent. This reflects the idea that as a divine being, he would have known that he was the Son of God and thus he was at peace. In the third verse, the singer declares his love for Jesus and invites him to stay close until morning. This is a powerful statement of faith, as it illustrates the deep trust that Christians have in their belief that God is always present.
Finally, the song ends with a reminder of the love that Jesus had for all children, and a prayer for his protection and care. The lyrics express a hope that all will be blessed by the tenderness and compassion of God's love.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus was born in a humble place that did not have a fancy cradle.
The little Lord Jesus laid down his Sweet head.
He lay his cute little head down to rest for the night.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
The bright shining stars above and the universe was witness to the birth of baby Jesus.
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Jesus slept soundly on the bed of straw in the manger.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
The cows in the barn made sounds which woke up baby Jesus from his sleep.
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
Even though he woke up from his sleep, baby Jesus did not cry.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
Tony Orlando expresses his love to the Lord Jesus and requests him to look down from heaven to see him.
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
He requests Lord Jesus to stay beside him through the night until morning comes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Tony Orlando asks the Lord Jesus to be close to him always and never leave his side.
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
He prays that the Lord Jesus will stay close to him, love him, and never leave him alone.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
He prays that Lord Jesus will bless all the children in his tender care and love them like they were his own.
And fit us for heaven, to live with thee there.
Finally, he prays that the Lord Jesus will prepare them all to go to heaven and live with him there.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: William J. Kirkpatrick, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind