Ave Maria
Aretha Franklin (Holiday) Lyrics
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Oh, listen to a maiden's prayer
For thou can't hear amid the wild
This thou, this thou can't save amid, despair
We slumber safe until tomorrow
Though we by man outcast relieved
Oh, maiden, see a maiden's sorrow
Ave Maria
Ave Maria, gracia plena
Maria, gracia plena
Maria, gracia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus
Ave Maria
In "Ave Maria", Aretha Franklin (Holiday) communicates a message that uses prayer as a way to communicate with the divine. The singer asks for the help of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The song begins with addressing Mary as a maiden - this shows how reverent the singer is to her. She then tells Mary her problem, which is that her cries for help can't be heard over the wild environment around her, which is preventing her from getting help. She also points out that even though they slumber safely, they still need Mary's help for when tomorrow arrives since they are outcasts from man.
Additionally, the singer then sings, calling on Mary to hear her prayer and see her sorrow. As the song progresses, she begins to praise Mary, calling her full of grace and invoking the presence of the Lord. The song ends with the repetition of the opening lyrics, signaling that the singer's prayer has come to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
Ave Maria, maiden mild
Greetings, Mary, young maiden
Oh, listen to a maiden's prayer
Please hear the request of a young woman
For thou can't hear amid the wild
I understand that there are many distractions and noises around you
This thou, this thou can't save amid despair
Despite the fact that you may not be able to physically save someone in moments of despair, hoping for your guidance and intervention gives hope.
We slumber safe until tomorrow
We can sleep tonight with a sense of security
Though we by man outcast relieved
Even though we may have been rejected and cast out by society
Oh, maiden, see a maiden's sorrow
Mary, please witness and understand the pain of a young woman
Oh, mother, hear a suppliant child
As a mother, please listen to the prayer of a humble child
Ave Maria
Greetings, Mary
Ave Maria, gracia plena
Greetings Mary, full of grace
Maria, gracia plena
Mary, full of grace
Maria, gracia plena
Mary, full of grace
Ave, ave dominus
Greetings, greetings to our Lord
Dominus tecum
Our Lord is with you
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
You are blessed among all women
Et benedictus
And blessed
Et benedictus fructus ventris
And blessed is the fruit of your womb
Ventris tuae, Jesus
Your child, Jesus, is this fruit
Ave Maria
Greetings, Mary
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Walt Disney Music Company, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILL ROSS, FRANZ (KLASSIKER) +1828 SCHUBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind