Diane Tuiofu Music
and the Arts
Composer, Arranger, Pianist
Away in a Manger
"Away in a Manger" has been a long time favorite Christmas carol among people of all ages, but the origin of the text remains anonymous. There are, in fact, two separate tunes that have been sung to the text: One was composed by the hymnist Charles H. Gabriel (currently used in the LDS hymnal), and the second is the more widely-known melody composed by James R. Murray. Since I am very fond of each tune, I thought it would be fun to combine both hymns together with a descant on verse three: with the choir singing Murray's tune atop the congregational singing of Gabriel's. Now we can enjoy both melodies at the same time!
Lyrics
Text: Anon Music: William J. Kirkpatrick
Arranged by Diane Tuiofu
Verse one
Away in a manger,
No crib for His 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.
Verse two
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 my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
Verse three
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.