Ave Maria
Johnny Mathis/Percy Faith & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Maiden mild!
Oh, listen to a maidens prayer
For thou canst hear amid the wild
Tis thou, tis thou canst save amid dispair
We slumber safely till the morrow
Though weve by man outcast reviled
Oh, maiden, see a maidens sorrow
Ave maria
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 pleadin
Oh, mother, hear a suppliant child
Ave maria
Ave maria
The song "Ave Maria" by Johnny Mathis/Percy Faith & His Orchestra is a rendition of a classic Catholic hymn of the same name, originally composed by Franz Schubert in 1825. The song is a tribute to the Virgin Mary, who is often referred to as "Ave Maria" in Catholic prayer. In the opening lines of the song, the singer addresses Mary as "maiden mild," and asks her to listen to his prayer because she has the power to save him from despair. He then goes on to describe his situation and how he feels like an outcast, but he still trusts in Mary to protect him.
The song's second stanza is a Latin prayer, "Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum," which translates to "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee." This prayer is a common Catholic liturgical greeting used to honor Mary's divine status. The singer then returns to his personal plea, asking Mary to help him overcome the heaviness he feels in his life. He begs her to hear his prayers and to act as the loving mother she is often described as. The song ends with a final "Ave Maria," a reverent and thankful tribute to Mary.
Line by Line Meaning
Ave maria
Hail Mary, a traditional Catholic prayer invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Maiden mild!
Gentle and pure feminine figure.
Oh, listen to a maidens prayer
Asking the Virgin Mary to listen to the prayer of a young female believer.
For thou canst hear amid the wild
Advocating that the Virgin Mary's intercession is always available and effective, even in dire circumstances.
Tis thou, tis thou canst save amid dispair
Only the Virgin Mary can provide salvation in times of hopelessness.
We slumber safely till the morrow
Mary's protection allows believers to sleep secure in the promise of Divine protection.
Though weve by man outcast reviled
Despite what social or cultural condemnation we face, Mary's love is unconditional.
Oh, maiden, see a maidens sorrow
Pleading for the Virgin Mary to empathize with the sorrows of young women.
Oh, mother, hear a suppliant child!
Calling on Mary to hear and respond to the prayer of a humble believer.
Ave maria, gratia plena
Hail Mary, full of grace. A common prayer in Catholic liturgy.
Maria, gratia plena
Mary, full of grace. Repeating the opening phrase with emphasis.
Maria, gratia plena
Mary, full of grace. Second repetition to express devotion to the Mother of God.
Ave, ave dominus
Hail, Hail Lord. Expressing praise to God as well as Mary.
Dominus tecum
The Lord is with thee. A phrase that reminds believers that Mary is blessed and chosen by God.
The murky caverns air so heavy
Metaphorical darkness that surrounds the person praying for the Virgin Mary's intercession.
Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled
The Virgin Mary's intervention can release the burden of the petitioner's heart, providing tangible relief and comfort.
Oh, maiden, hear a maiden pleadin
Calling on the Virgin Mary to listen to the devout female student.
Oh, mother, hear a suppliant child
Using familiar appellations, the petitioner humbly requests the Virgin Mary's help.
Ave maria
Hail Mary. Concluding the prayer by repeating the opening lines.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, HAL LEONARD CORPORATION, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: CLAIR W. JOHNSON, FRANZ ANTON SCHUBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind