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 side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
abc | midi | pdf
Source: The Second Book of Penguin Christmas Carols, ed Elizabeth Poston
Notes:
from The Second Book of Penguin Christmas Carols:
"The words first appeared in print in A Little Children's Book for Schools and Families, published in 1885 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America. The tune was written for them by William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921), American composer and director of church music."
from The Penguin Book of Christmas Carols:
"An American contribution to Christmas that has become a classic in our carol repertory. The tune was written by William James Kirkpatrick, 1838-1921, American composer and director of church music, to words of unknown American origin for Sunday-school class. It should be allowed always to retain in performance it's essential, tender simplicity.
Roud:
Laws:
Child:
Related Songs: Away In A Manger (2) (thematic) Away In A Manger (3) (thematic) Away In A Manger (4) (thematic)