Lullabies of Christmas: Away in a Manger Lyrics and Chords

Away in a manger, in the stillness of a manger, a cherished tale unfolds celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ! The Joy of singing or listening to Away in a Manger lyrics never grows old. This soothing carol whispers love in every line and is a melody of hope and gift so divine! Here is a comprehensive text about Away in a Manger sheet music and Away in a Manger chords for both Guitar and Piano.

Away in a Manger : A  Tale of Jesus Christ’s Birth!

Imagine this! Snowflakes gently drift outside your home, freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, soft glow of Christmas lights twinkling, feeling of warmth and coziness with our loved ones in one place, sounds of carols like Away in a Manger caressing like mom’s hugs ! That’s the magic Christmas for you.

Away in a Manger lyrics create an ambience of reverence and jubilation. It’s all about the themes of humility, love, simplicity and hope. The gentle melody Away in a Manger song continues to inspire and uplift the hearts of many souls during the festive season.

Origins of Away in a Manger Christmas Carol

The origins of this beloved Christmas carol is somewhat unclear. There hasn’t been a clear cut claim to its authorship. There are two versions dating back to the late 19th century. The carol popped up in a publication in 1885 in a Lutheran Sunday School book. The author read ‘Anonymous.’

Away in a Manger Lyrics

Away in a Manger Lyrics depicts the nativity scene. I believe it conveys messages about peace and the innocent scenario of baby Jesus’ birth. I must say, there are a few variations of the lyrics in different hymnals. Some versions include additional verses about the life of our Savior.

The setting of baby Jesus’ birth in a simple manger surrounded by simple men and animals rather than in a place with an extravagant setting. What does this tell us? The Away in a Manger Lyrics emphasizes humility and simplicity. The theme of this entirety resonates with the idea that “Greatness can Emerge from the Simplest Beginnings.”

Verse 1

Away in a Manger
No crib for a bedThe little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky Looked down where He lay
The 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 you, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side
Until morning is high

Verse 3

Be near me, Lord Jesus
I ask you to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Your tender care
And fit us for heaven
To live with You there.

Away in a Manger Sheet Music

There are two renowned versions of Away in a Manger Sheet Music. The melody that we listen to today called “Mueller” was arranged by James R. Murray in the late 19th century. The “Mueller” version is popular in the United States. The simple SATB arrangement is set in F major with the Key Signature, One flat Bb. It makes it easier for choirs and congregations to sing and cherish during the Christmas season.

Here is the Away in a Manger Sheet Music “Mueller” style.

The  soothing melody of  Away in a Manger version known as the “Cradle Song” was composed by William J Kirkpatrick. The gentle melody is easy to sing for both children and adults.  This version of  Away in a Manger Sheet Music came out in 1895. He was a prolific hymn writer and a music composer. It was published in his book called “Around the World with Christmas.” This melody is quite popular in the Uk.

Here is the Away in a Manger Sheet Music “Cradle Song” style.

Away in a Manger Guitar Chords

Verse 1

F 
Away in a Manger

D7               Gm
No crib for a bed

C7                   F               
The little Lord Jesus 

Gm                             C
Laid down His sweet head 

F 
The stars in the bright sky 

D7                           Gm
Looked down where He lay

C7                   F    
The Lord Jesus

C                             F
Asleep on the hay

Verse 2

F
The cattle are lowing 

D7               Gm
The Baby awakes

C7                   F    
But little Lord Jesus

Gm                       C
No crying He makes

F
I love you, Lord Jesus

D7               Gm
Look down from the sky

C7                   F    
And stay by my side

C                             F
Until morning is high

Verse 3

F
Be near me, Lord Jesus

D7               Gm
I ask you to stay

C7                   F    
Close by me forever

Gm                   C
And love me I pray

F
Bless all the dear children

D7               Gm
In Your tender care

C7                   F    
And fit us for heaven

C                       F
To live with You there.

Most Popular Versions of  ‘Away in a Manger’ Christmas Carol

Over the years, many artists have sung Away in a Manger lyrics in different musical genres. Here are some of the famous versions of it.

Love to Sing

More of a modern  and upbeat arrangement of instrumentals to make it interesting for the kids to enjoy singing the carol.

Pentatonix

Pentatonix is an acapella band and their interpretation of Away in a Manger sheet music is both interesting and amazing. The rich Vocal Harmonies and the usage of Dynamics enhances the emotional depth of this carol.

Carrie Underwood

Underwood’s powerful and emotive vocals bring about a deep sense of reverence and a warm feeling to the carol. It was featured in her holiday album called “My Gift.” Want to improve your singing skills? Check out this article on 5 Best Exercises to Sing Better.

Don Moen Ft. Rachel Robinson

Don Moen’ version is a soothing rendition that brings out the essence of the carol. There is a soft, melodic accompaniment that, I think, is calming like the nativity scene of Away in a Manger lyrics depicts.

King’s College Choir

The Voices types of each singer in the choir sounds like the voice of an angel. The choir is renowned for the crystal clear voices of the boy choristers. The traditional arrangement of Away in a Manger creates a worshiping ambience.

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