Away in the Manger

Away in the Manger is a popular Christmas carol from the mid-nineteenth century, thought to be American in origin, though the author remains unknown. Martin Luther composed a hymn with similar lyrics, still sung by German mothers to their babies. The carol’s music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) and James Ramsey Murray (1887).

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
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,
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.