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Away in a Manger

from Christemasse by David Krienke

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about

"Away in a Manger" is a Christmas carol first published in 1885 in Philadelphia and used widely throughout the English-speaking world. For many years the text was credited to the German Protestant reformer Martin Luther. Research has shown, however, that this is nothing more than a fable.
In the book "Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses for Use in the Kindergarten, School and Home", by James R. Murray, it bears the title "Luther's Cradle Hymn" and the note, "Composed by Martin Luther for his children, and still sung by German mothers to their little ones."
A possible reason for the spurious attribution to Luther is that the 400th anniversary of his birth was in 1883.
The words were either based on a poem written for this anniversary or were credited to Luther as a clever marketing gimmick.
This song has never been found in Luther's works.
The third stanza, "Be near me, Lord Jesus" was first printed in "Gabriel's Vineyard Songs" in 1892, where it appeared with a tune by Charles H. Gabriel (simply marked "C"), thus these words are probably by Gabriel.
Gabriel credited the entire text to Luther and gave it the title "Cradle Song."
This verse is sometimes attributed to Dr. John McFarland, but since the popular story dates his contribution to 1904 (postdating the 1892 printing by 12 years), his contribution is highly questionable.

lyrics

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 take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

credits

from Christemasse, released December 12, 2010
Public Domain

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all rights reserved

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about

David Krienke Elkhart, Indiana

Born into a family of Gospel singers & musicians in South Bend, Indiana, David began singing & playing the piano as a small child.
In the 1970's, his musical style was shaped by the acoustic rock artists of the time - and in the 1980's David played the local nightclub circuit as keyboardist/singer with the band Justus.
But God comes in places unlooked for - unexpectedly.
... more

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