DESCRIPTION

This original composition is a fresh, new setting of the well-known text, but retains the same feeling of a gently-flowing lullaby that the original melody has. The music of the third verse becomes more fervent and glowing (“Be near me, Lord Jesus”), but the piece ends gently and quietly.

TEXT INFO

Away in a Manger  (original composition)

Anonymous text, with a new refrain by Peter Bloesch

Complete text:

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.

      Lullaby, lullaby, softly I sing.
      Be still and slumber, my sweet darling!
      Hush, and slumber, my sweet darling!

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.
      (Refrain)

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.
      (Refrain)