Away in a Manger

New Version of the Classic Christmas Song

Away in a Manger is one of the most famous Christmas carols which has its origins in the late nineteenth century. Listen to this song by watching the youtube video below which features a new version of this timeless Christmas classic by Teresa Thomas, from her recent album, Upon Your Shore.

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There is a gentleness, yet a deep strength in the beautiful lyrics and melodic tunes of this album.

"Every once in a while you stumble across a song by an unknown recording artist that leaves you wondering, "why haven't I heard this before?" In a world full of wonderful songs, Teresa's music is a rare find. The songs are original and reach the intimate places of the heart. Her wonderful voice welcomes you home, like a dear lost friend. When I'm tired of all the noise, I come home."
- Ray Watson, The Secret Place

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Away in a Manger Lyrics

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed
The tiny little baby lay down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky look down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay
Away in a manger

The cattle are lowing, the child He wakes
The offspring of David, no crying He makes
Who would of thought that the Ancient of Days
Could be found as a baby asleep on the hay
Away in a manger

The hope of all Israel
Her crowned Prince of Peace
The Passover Lamb
Her eternal High Priest
Was born in a stable
One Bethlehem Day
Yeshua, Messiah
The Life, Truth, the Way
Away in a manger

Away in a manger (x4)
The tiny little baby asleep on the hay

Away in a Manger Lyrics & Chords

Original Version

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 fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Away in a Manager Chords

Chords for the Christmas song Away in a Manger. Includes chords for piano, guitar and also tabs.

Away in a Manger History

By Ray Watson

Who Wrote Away in a Manger?

The first two verses of the original lyrics of Away in a Manger were published in the May 1884 issue of The Myrtle. The article claims that Martin Luther composed the hymn for his children, but this is not likely as Luther himself makes no reference to it in any of his writings.

Two verses of the song were later published in an Evangelical Lutheran Sunday School collection, Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (1885). The lyrics were set to a tune called "St. Kilda", composed by J.E. Clark.

The third verse, "Be near me, Lord Jesus" was first printed in Gabriel's Vineyard Songs (1892), where it appeared with a tune by Charles H. Gabriel. It is likely the third verse was written by Gabriel even though he credited the entire text to Luther and gave it the title "Cradle Song". This third verse is sometimes attributed to Dr. John McFarland, but this is not likely either since his contribution would have post-dated an earlier printing.

History of the Music

There are various versions of this timeless Christmas carol (41 listed by Richard S. Hill in his article in the Music Library Association Notes 1945). The most common version in the US is by the composer Murray but is typically given the name “Mueller.” This theme was borrowed from one of Strauss’ waltzes composed 19 years earlier.

Another popular version is the tune "Cradle Song" written by William J. Kirkpatrick for the musical Around the World with Christmas (1895). This melody was in turn borrowed from the tune “Sweet Afton” composed in 1837 by Jonathan E. Spilman.

The 2013 version of Away in a Manger by Teresa Thomas (above) is entirely original in melody, although the lyrics borrow from the earlier versions. Produced by Wendy Waldman, the song has a beautiful traditional ballad feel with a touch of celtic flavour. It is a welcome addition to the established Christmas tradition of reinventing this timeless Christmas classic, and is sure to find it’s place among the many collections of Christmas favourites.