This is one Christmas carol that never fails to please – always thought of as a children’s carol (or lullaby) it’s probably the first one most of us learnt.
Known worldwide, and sung to two different tunes/melodies it’s one that usually isn’t ‘messed around with’ .
This link will explain the claims about different verses as well as the different melodies – https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/occasions/christmas/away-in-a-manger-lyrics-history-carol/.
There are so many versions to be found online – I’ve included a….
- 1963 British Pathe recording made at St Michael’s Tenbury
- one with school children and congregation from a Songs of Praise production, (sorry location or year unknown)
- a Cedarmont Kids version (with real live baby – I think)
- a version sung by the Gaither Vocal Band – using the Mueller melody
- and even a country/bluegrass version by an offshoot of the US Navy Band.
Mind you, I think most would agree this is a carol for the youngest of us all. . the last video is from a nativity play performed at an unknown school.. . smile – watch for the teachers prompting hand gestures (and see how much Mary loves that baby!
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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 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.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Away_in_a_Manger
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Sharing with Wednesdays Words and Whimsy hosted by Min – HERE
Still Waters 
This was the first carol my girls and grandchildren knew. I used to sing it to them all year round to get them to sleep. I only ever knew the first verse though. Beautiful
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Gotta love those kids!!! Just my style
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I just made the comment, in church yesterday before giving the children’s message, “At Christmas, we are all children.”
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That nativity!
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It is a carol that many of us know the words to and I suppose that must be because it is a very appealing tune. Yes, well, that’s the flea in my ear for the day.
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I was unaware there were two melodies but on hearing the American version it does ring a distant bell.
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I first heard the second melody for the first time in church. A few years back I accompanied a friend to an extravaganza Nativity play complete with actual baby. At one point the mother crept onto the stage with a bottle for the fussy baby!
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I do love this Christmas carol, Cathy. One of my favorite for sure. Thanks for sharing the sweet videos.
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it is indeed one I have known since childhood. Going to Sunday School, being in the church choir as a teen. Thank you for a lovely reminder of times gone by…Denyse #WWWhimsy
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Oh I love this one! I prefer the original version but do like the other too. I enjoyed listening to all of these Cathy. I must say – the second last one is the first time I’ve ever heard it sung like that! lol Anyway – no matter what version I always get goosebumps and Christmassy feelings. It takes me back to my childhood too. Thanks so much for linking up with #WWWhimsy – hope to see you back again on 17 Jan when we kick off again for the new year. Have a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for a happy & healthy 2024! xo
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I think this is the first Christmas Carol that I learned. I remember singing it at Sunday School. Lovely memories.
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It is like a lullaby, isn’t it? I’d never realised. #WWWhimsy
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Gosh that brings back lovely memories of my Mum and Dad, Cathy thanks so much. I’ve enjoyed seeing your Christmas Carol posts. Have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful 2024. xx
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merry festive season to you! cheers sherry #WWWhimsy
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