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Ave Maria
Charles Gounod Lyrics


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Ave Maria! Maiden mild
Oh! Listen to a maidens prayer
For thou canst hear them in the wild.
Tis thou, tis thou canst hear amid despair.
We slumbered safely 'til the morrow

Though we, by men outcast, reviled
Oh maiden, see a maidens sorrow
Oh mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria, ahh

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave Dominus
Dominus tecum

The murky caverns air so heavy
Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled
Oh maiden, hear a maiden pleading
Oh mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Charles Gounod’s song Ave Maria “Hail Mary”, are a composition based on a Catholic prayer that is directed towards the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. The prayer is an entreaty for her to intercede on behalf of the person presenting their supplication. The prayer’s opening words resonate throughout Gounod’s composition, where he calls upon the Virgin to hear the supplicants' prayers that are offered in the wild. The Virgin is also asked to help the one making the request face the anguish and misery that they may be experiencing. As the composer's lyrics develop, there is a noticeable intensity in his iteration of AVE Maria, which is particularly noticeable in the concluding line of the song.


Throughout the song, there is a sense that the composer is trying to produce the feeling of empathy and warmth from the Virgin Mary towards the supplicant. He establishes this by repeating certain lines throughout the song, particularly in the opening verse, where he repeats entreaties for help from the Virgin Mary. The lyrics establish a genuine emotional connection with the listener, particularly as the song reaches its emotional climax. AVE Maria has become a popular song all over the world, and it is particularly popular during celebrations and ceremonies dedicated to the Virgin Mary, particularly in the Catholic Church.


Line by Line Meaning

Ave Maria! Maiden mild
Oh hail Mary! A gentle and pure maiden


Oh! Listen to a maidens prayer
Please hear the prayer of a maiden


For thou canst hear them in the wild.
You have the ability to hear her prayer, even in remote areas where she may be isolated or alone.


Tis thou, tis thou canst hear amid despair.
Only you can hear her cries in the midst of her hopelessness.


We slumbered safely 'til the morrow
We slept peacefully until morning.


Though we, by men outcast, reviled
Despite being shunned and scorned by society.


Oh maiden, see a maidens sorrow
Oh Mary, understand the sadness and pain of this woman.


Oh mother, hear a suppliant child!
Mother Mary, please listen to this humble and begging child!


Ave Maria, ahh
Hail Mary, Ahh.


Ave Maria
Hail Mary


Gratia plena
Full of grace


Maria, gratia plena
Mary, full of grace


Maria, gratia plena
Mary, full of grace


Ave, ave Dominus
Hail hail Lord


Dominus tecum
The Lord is with thee


The murky caverns air so heavy
In places where the air is dense and oppressive


Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled
Your smile can bring a sense of relief and comfort.


Oh maiden, hear a maiden pleading
Oh Mary, hear the desperate plea of this woman.


Oh mother, hear a suppliant child!
Mother Mary, listen to the prayer of this needy child!


Ave Maria
Hail Mary




Contributed by Molly J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@temujin0911

the music of Bach & Gounod are a perfect match, it's like the left and right hand coming together... pure harmony...

@shin-i-chikozima

I will never forget this song .
Because it is engraved deeply and profoundly in my heart

@ivancicasalaj-obelic7582

All my senses are at the highest vibrations. I can't breath any more, how beautiful it is..

@richardsongoulart222

the melody is so clean, so smooth, touchs my soul big time, I feel so loved....a melodia eh tao limpa, tao suave, toca minha alma muito mesmo, eu me sinto amado...

@MegaPianogenius

Clean ?? They smudge loads of notes in the melody

@lusiafernandessoler9992

@@MegaPianogenius hfrtuave maria

@lusiafernandessoler9992

ave Maria

@thongchaic8318

I agree with you. It touches your soul and mine as well. I love it.

@mariaceciliacampospereira2908

Não existe emoção maior do que OUVIR essa COMPOSIÇÃO, é uma ESPERANÇA QUE NOS FORTALECE para enfrentar a VIDA!

@oficialmathias6715

Nesses tempos difíceis precisamos rezar mto!
Que Deus nos livre do comunismo

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