Anne Murray - Away In a Manger Lyrics
Lyrics
Away in a manger, no crib for the bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle 'til morning is neigh.
Believe me, Lord Jesus, I asked thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me I pray
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
And take us to 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 sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay...
Video
Away In A Manger
Meaning & Inspiration
Anne Murray’s rendition of "Away In a Manger" was released on October 7, 2008, as a significant offering on her cherished *Anne Murray’s Christmas Album*. This timeless carol, often attributed to Martin Luther but more accurately originating in nineteenth-century America, stands as a cornerstone of the Christmas narrative, tenderly recounting the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth. Murray’s interpretation, known for its clarity and warmth, brings a comforting familiarity to a song that universally evokes peace and wonder. The carol's enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound portrayal of the divine made manifest in human vulnerability, inviting listeners to contemplate the extraordinary love behind such an ordinary arrival.
The song immediately paints a vivid scene, opening with "Away in a manger, no crib for the bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head." This depiction directly echoes the Gospel account in Luke 2:7, which states, "there was no room for them in the inn," leading to Jesus being "laid him in a manger." The profound simplicity of this imagery powerfully conveys the humility of Christ's arrival. God, the Creator of the universe, chose to enter the world not in a palace, but in a stable, emphasizing His willingness to empty Himself and take on the form of a servant, as described in Philippians 2:6-8. The line, "The stars in the sky looked down where he lay," adds a cosmic dimension, reminding us that even the heavens bore witness to this pivotal moment in salvation history, aligning with Psalm 19:1 which declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God." This first stanza establishes the sacred intimacy and quiet majesty of the Incarnation, making the divine accessible and relatable.
Moving into the second stanza, we hear, "The cattle are lowing, the poor baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes." While the serene image of a baby Jesus who makes no sound might be a legendary embellishment rather than a scriptural detail, it serves a beautiful spiritual purpose within the carol. It reinforces the unique, peaceful nature of this child, hinting at His divine composure and the peace He would ultimately bring to the world, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6 where He is called the "Prince of Peace." The stanza then transitions to a heartfelt, personal plea: "I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh." This personal address shifts the perspective from observation to intimate devotion, inviting each listener to acknowledge their own love for Christ and to seek His constant, reassuring presence. This desire for divine companionship resonates deeply with the promise found in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures His followers, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age." It cultivates a sense of secure dependence on Christ, even from childhood, reflecting a yearning for the comfort that His presence brings.
The carol culminates in a beautiful prayer that extends beyond the birth narrative to embrace the full scope of Christian faith: "Believe me, Lord Jesus, I asked thee to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray." This echoes the biblical call to abide in Christ's love, as Jesus Himself urged in John 15:9-10, "Abide in my love." It expresses a longing for an eternal, unwavering connection, reminding us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). The prayer then broadens its scope, asking, "Bless all the dear children in thy tender care," beautifully aligning with Jesus' own tender regard for children, as seen in Matthew 19:14 where He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The final line, "And take us to heaven to live with thee there," articulates the ultimate Christian hope – the promise of eternal life and dwelling with God, a hope firmly rooted in Jesus’ words in John 14:2-3, "I am going there to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." Anne Murray’s clear, gentle vocal delivery allows these profound theological truths to be received with both clarity and comfort, making the song a powerful message of God's love, present from the manger to eternity, and inspiring a deeply personal faith in the hearts of those who hear it.