PagineAway in a Manger is a 1885 Christmas carol that begins “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.…”. Below are the full public-domain lyrics to print and sing, links to free sheet music, its history and fun actions for kids.
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 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 · words: Anonymous (American, verses 1–2 published 1885; verse 3 1892) · music: “Cradle Song” by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) or “Mueller” by James R. Murray (1887) · public domain · printed from pagineapp.com
Full hymn and choir arrangements of Away in a Manger are free because the song is in the public domain. Download them from these non-profit libraries:
Away in a Manger first appeared in American Lutheran songbooks in the 1880s. It is one of the gentlest carols for young children and is often the first one they learn.
Lay your head on folded hands on “lay down his sweet head”.
All Christmas carols & songs → · Christmas stories for kids →
The words are by Anonymous (American, verses 1–2 published 1885; verse 3 1892) and the music is by “Cradle Song” by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) or “Mueller” by James R. Murray (1887); it dates from 1885.
Yes. Away in a Manger is in the public domain, so the lyrics on this page are free to print and sing at home, school or church.
Away in a Manger is a good fit for children aged 2+. Try the actions on this page to keep little ones singing along.
🗓️ Updated October 2026