Away in a Manger

This page includes a lyric video, as well as a short history of “Away in a Manger.” I hope you enjoy singing this classic song and learning more about its history.

Enjoy this You Tube video with lyrics for “Away in a Manger”:

The words of this popular Christmas song are often attributed to Martin Luther. However, after doing extensive research, Richard Hill, distinguished head of the reference section of the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. discovered that the first two verses of the song were recorded without authorship in an 1885 American Lutheran publication called Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families.

Hill believes that  “Away in a Manger” most likely had its origin in one of the many dramatic presentations performed by American Lutherans in 1883 to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther. Most likely, “Away in a Manger” was written as a simplified version of a hymn that Luther wrote for his own family celebration of Christmas Eve called “From Highest Heaven, I Come to Tell.” The first verse is as follows:

Awake, my soul! my heart, behold

Who lieth in that manger cold!

Who is this lovely baby boy?

‘Tis Jesus Christ, our only joy.

In 1887, James Ramsey Murray discovered “Away in a Manger,” composed a tune for it, and had it published. Because Murray only signed his initials to the music, there was some confusion over its authorship as well. Ironically, the tune got its name “Mueller” from a careless editor who credited it to a Carl Mueller (a person who does not appear to have existed!). Murray’s music rapidly grew in popularity (more so than the other 40+ tunes to which the song has been set), and it remains today as the most popular tune for “Away in a Manger.”

For more intriguing history on “Away in a Manger” (and 19 other classic Christmas songs), you can purchase our Christmas Songs eBook (only $2.99; use code “celebrate20” for 20% off).

You can also download our free, complimentary Sheet Music for “Away in a Manger.”

For additional resources (like original sheet music), visit Hymns and Carols of Christmas or Net Hymnal.

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