Away in a Manger

    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 in 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 til morning is nigh. (or: And stay by my side until 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 fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

Away in a Manger was first published in an 1885 Lutheran Sunday School book by James R. Murray (March 7, 1841 - March 10, 1905), but the author of the first two stanzas is unknown. There are at least two major melodies for the song, neither of them with certain authorship. It is certain that stanza three was added in 1904 by Dr. John McFarland of New York City.