Twelve Days (Before) Christmas

Day 8 - Away in a Manger 

There has long been some confusion about the origin of Away in a Manger. The first known printing of the song was in the periodical The Myrtle (Universalist Publishing House, Boston) on May 3, 1884. No author was given for the two verses printed, nor was any music included, although it was suggested that the song be sung to the tune Home! Sweet Home! A year later, in 1885, the song appeared in Little Children's Book for Schools and Families (pub. in Philadelphia), this time with music included (J. E. Clark's 'St. Kilda'). Again, we have the first two verses, and no identification of the author. Then in 1887, Away in a Manger was reprinted by James R. Murray in Dainty Songs for Little Lads and Lasses (pub. in New York), with music (the tune 'Mueller') probably by Murray himself. The song also appears with the subtitle Luther's Cradle Hymn, and for many years it was thought to have been the first publication of Away in a Manger. Murray wrote that the song was written by the German reformer Rev. Martin Luther (1483-1546); however, this is not correct. That attribution of authorship appears to have been made a few years after the 400th anniversary of Rev. Luther's birth, and as a tribute to him. To be clear, Luther did not write this song; it appears nowhere in his extensive works. 

The musical setting most popular in Great Britain is by William J. Kirkpatrick, which he published in Around the World with Christmas (1895). If the number of musical settings is any judge of popularity, then Away in a Manger must be considered one of the most popular of all Christmas carols. This lullaby was the source of a fascinating article called Not So Far Away In A Manger: Forty One Settings of an America Carol by Richard S. Hill (pub. in Music Library Association's Notes, December, 1945). Mr. Hill gives a thorough analysis of the background of the carol, as known in 1945, including laying to rest any claim that Luther wrote the song. He lists the 41 musical settings that he was aware of, and discusses in some depth the four most popular settings. (this note is derived from Hymns and Carols of Christmas - Thank you!)

1. Away in a manger, no crib for His 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 in the hay.

2. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes.

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.

I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.

And stay by the cradle till morning is nigh.

3. 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.

MURRAY VERSION

Away in a Manger - Home Free

Away in a Manger - Nat King Cole

KIRK VERSION

Away in a Manger - Bleasby Primary School

Away in a Manger - Kings College Choir (arr. Stephen Cleobury)

BOTH VERSIONS COMBINED

Away in a Manger - Classical Guitar Corner

Away in a Manger - setting by Lucy Walker / The Chapel Choir of Pembroke College, Cambridge