“Away in a Manger” is one of the most beloved Christmas carols, sung by children and adults alike during the holiday season. The lullaby-like melody and the simple yet profound lyrics capture the essence of the Nativity story.
Despite its popularity, the origins of “Away in a Manger” are shrouded in mystery and debate. This article delves into the history of the carol, exploring its possible authors, the evolution of its lyrics, and its musical adaptations.
The Popularity of “Away in a Manger”
Cultural Impact
“Away in a Manger” has become a staple of Christmas celebrations around the world. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a favorite for nativity plays, church services, and family gatherings.
The carol’s simplicity makes it accessible to singers of all ages, from young children to adults, and its message of faith and trust resonates across generations.
In Modern Media
The enduring popularity of “Away in a Manger” is reflected in its frequent appearances in modern media. The carol is featured in numerous Christmas albums, films, and television specials, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
It has been performed by a wide range of artists, from classical musicians and choirs to pop and country singers, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song.
Common Misconceptions About the Authorship
The Martin Luther Myth
For many years, “Away in a Manger” was widely attributed to Martin Luther, the German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation. This belief was bolstered by the inclusion of the carol in American hymnals from the late 19th century, which cited Luther as the author.
The story went that Luther had written the carol for his own children, and it was later translated into English. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. Luther was a prolific writer and hymn composer, but “Away in a Manger” does not appear in any of his known works or in the hymnals of his time.
Debunking the Myth
The attribution to Luther likely arose from a combination of wishful thinking and the romanticization of the past. In the 19th century, there was a trend of attributing folk songs and anonymous works to famous historical figures.
As researchers and historians scrutinized the carol’s origins, they found no documentation linking it to Luther. Instead, they discovered that the earliest known publications of the carol were in American sources from the late 19th century, long after Luther’s death in 1546.
The Search for the True Author
Early Publications
The first known publication of “Away in a Manger” was in 1882 in the Lutheran Sunday School collection “Little Children’s Book for Schools and Families,” published in Philadelphia. The carol appeared with two verses, and no author was credited.
This edition attributed the carol to Luther, perpetuating the myth. Over the next few years, the carol appeared in various other hymnals and songbooks, with slight variations in the lyrics.
James R. Murray’s Contribution
James R. Murray, an American composer and music publisher, played a significant role in popularizing “Away in a Manger.” In 1887, he included the carol in his collection “Dainty Songs for Lads and Lasses.” Murray titled the song “Luther’s Cradle Hymn” and further cemented the false attribution to Martin Luther.
Despite the misleading title, Murray’s arrangement became one of the most widely used versions of the carol, and it helped to spread its popularity across the United States.
Potential Authors
While the exact authorship remains uncertain, some scholars suggest that the carol may have been written by an unknown American author in the late 19th century.
The lyrical style and thematic content are consistent with other children’s hymns and Sunday school songs from that era. However, without definitive evidence, the true author of “Away in a Manger” remains a mystery.
The Evolution of the Carol
Original Verses
The original version of “Away in a Manger” consisted of two verses. The first verse describes the Nativity scene, with the baby Jesus lying in a manger, while the second verse is a prayer asking Jesus to stay close to the singer. The simplicity and warmth of these verses contributed to the carol’s enduring appeal.
Addition of the Third Verse
A third verse was added to the carol in the early 20th century, further enhancing its devotional character. The author of this verse is unknown, but it first appeared in the 1892 publication “Gabriel’s Vineyard Songs,” compiled by Charles H. Gabriel, a prolific hymn writer and composer.
This third verse is a prayer asking for Jesus’s blessings and protection, reinforcing the themes of faith and trust present in the earlier verses.
Musical Adaptations
Early Melodies
“Away in a Manger” has been set to several different melodies over the years. The two most popular melodies are “Mueller” and “Cradle Song.” The “Mueller” melody, composed by James R. Murray, is the version most commonly associated with the carol in the United States. Its gentle, flowing tune complements the lullaby-like quality of the lyrics.
“Cradle Song” by William J. Kirkpatrick
The “Cradle Song” melody, composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895, is another widely recognized version of “Away in a Manger.” This melody is favored in the United Kingdom and other parts of the English-speaking world.
Kirkpatrick was a well-known composer of hymns and gospel songs, and his version of the carol has a slightly more formal and hymn-like quality compared to Murray’s “Mueller” melody.
Other Musical Versions
In addition to these two main melodies, “Away in a Manger” has been adapted and arranged by numerous composers and musicians over the years. These adaptations range from classical arrangements for choirs and orchestras to contemporary renditions by popular artists.
Each new version brings a fresh perspective to the carol while preserving its timeless message.