In 1887, James R. Murray published this verse and called it “Luther’s Cradle Hymn, composed by Martin Luther for his children, and still sung by German mothers to their little ones.” Incidentally, Martin Luther, the famous father of the Reformation, was not the author, nor was Murray. The origin is a children’s Sunday school book published a few years before Murray’s attribution. The verses have been set to a number of tunes, but this arrangement is set to Murray’s own tune, called “Mueller.”
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 til 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.
Steve Taffee
A lovely rendition. Thanks. I look forward to the others. A note about your production and recording setup at the end of the series, perhaps?
Bill Evely
I just happened to discover your wonderful site as I was searching the Web for Christmas photos for my annual ecard.
Your music is great and I do appreciate the downloads. I feel as you do when Christmas comes around.
Thank you Justin
Merry Christmas
caro
Your music is very well played … with feeling, you have a gift which is rare these days. I appreciate the downloading so I can load mp3 with it …
Thanks Justin..