Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
359Resource Type:
Keys included:
F
About this Hymn
The original words of this carol are shrouded in mystery, appearing anonymously in American newspapers as early as 1868 and sometimes imaginatively credited to Martin Luther. The third verse was added by gospel composer Charles Gabriel, and we offer the two most popular tunes written for it, written within the span of a decade at the end of the nineteenth century.
Lyrics
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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 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.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Sts. 1–2, anon., 1868, 1882; st. 3, Charles H. Gabriel, 1892
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1895
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick, 1895