Away in a Manger
Away in a Manger was first published with two verses in 1885 in Philadelphia in an Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School collection, Little Children's Book for Schools and Families edited by James R. Murray (1841-1905). The third verse is attributed to John Thomas McFarland, 1887 (1851-1913). The song is sung to two different melodies, "Mueller" and "Cradle Song" (by William J. Kirkpatrick).
Away in a Manger
Christmas Carol
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 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
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
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 take us to Heaven to live with Thee there.
Notes
You can hear both tunes in the midi separated by a short pause.
Comments
Monique from France said "I learned this song from the American language assistant we had in 10th grade. She sang it to the 'Cradle Song' tune."
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Image: The Nativity of Christ, Vladimir Borovikovsky, Rococo.
