Away In a Manger
Westenra Hayley 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
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
The first stanza of "Away in a Manger" depicts the poverty that surrounded Jesus at his birth, as he was laid in a manger without a bed. The use of "little" before "Lord Jesus" brings attention to his vulnerable state at birth, becoming a clear representation of humility. The bright stars discussing the scene displayed his majesty by having the heavens bend to take note of his arrival.
In the second stanza, the cattle awaken Jesus with their noise, yet he makes no cry as newborns usually would. This has biblical significance since it was prophesied in Isaiah 53:7 that the Messiah would be as a lamb led to slaughter, not opening His mouth, symbolising complete humility. Furthermore, the stanza goes on to apply affection towards Jesus. The line “I love you, Lord Jesus” seems like something said to a person with whom there is an intimate relationship. This is no coincidence, as Christianity holds that developing a personal relationship is key to a close bond with God.
The end of the song is a prayer, in which the singer asks Jesus to stay close and protect throughout the night until morning. The hope is that a message of love would connect with baby Jesus personally and thus offer believers the same access to such care.
Line by Line Meaning
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
In a humble stable with only a manger for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
Baby Jesus peacefully sleeps in the manger
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay
The shining stars watch over the sleeping child
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Jesus sleeps soundly on a bed of hay
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes
The mooing of the cows wakes up the baby
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes
Even though he's awake, Jesus doesn't cry
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
Showing love to Jesus, asking him to watch from heaven
And stay by my side until morning is nigh
Asking Jesus to stay close through the night
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay
Asking Jesus to stay near always
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray
Praying for Jesus' everlasting love and companionship
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
Asking Jesus to bless and care for all the children
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: William J. Kirkpatrick, Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
actioncomet
I don't suppose that you noticed Hayley sang beautifully
Maddie Morley
I love now theres no dislikes (:
Sqid101
I noticed that too. I figure it may help her get her own way in any discussions with the choir master ;-).
Kenneth Robinson
Never heard of her. Manchester Cathedral Choir is better well known!
Totalavulsion
Dear Lord! Holy Christ! Good God! Sweet Jesus!
gregggiddens
Kiwi chicks rule GO THE KIWIS :)
whitehatonthebeach
I wish she would have worn a more modest dress so that we could focus more on Baby Jesus, whom she is singing about, rather than on her.
Sqid101
I suppose you are just having us on a little bit anyway; but yes, the male make up is such that on specific occasions we can notice more than one thing at once.