Michael Crawford OBE (born 19 January 1942 in Salisbury, Wiltshire) is an i… Read Full Bio ↴Michael Crawford OBE (born 19 January 1942 in Salisbury, Wiltshire) is an internationally famous English actor and singer. He has won critical acclaim and numerous awards during his career, which includes work in radio, television, and the stage (including appearing on stage in West End in London and Broadway in New York). He notably originated the role of the Phantom in the musical 'The Phantom of the Opera', singing in well-received numbers such as "The Music Of The Night".

Finding his voice in a school choir, Crawford began his professional career still a teenager. Having some luck on the London stage in the early 60s, he then found his way onto the BBC and starred in various programmes such as 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em'. He also had film roles in 'The War Lover', 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'. and 'How I Won the War' (which brought him into the same work as John Lennon).

Andrew Lloyd Webber's casting of him opposite Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton as the Phantom in 1986 shot his career into high gear. Winning a Tony Award for his role, Crawford also had the aforementioned tune, "The Music Of The Night", reach the British Top Ten. He has released several studio albums such as 'A Touch of Music in the Night' and 'On Eagle's Wings' among others.

Ave Maria
Michael Crawford Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

A-ve Mari-i-a
Gra-atia ple-ena
Do-ominus te-ecum
Be-e-ene-di-i-icta tu
In mu-li-i-i-eribus
Et be-enedictus
Fruc-tu-u-us ventri-i-is
Tuae, Je-esus

Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Maria
Ora-a pro no-obis
Nobis peccatoribus
Nunc e-et in hor-ora
I-in hor-ora-a mor-orti-is
No-ostrae-ae
A... men
(Ave Maria, Santa Maria, Maria)
Ora-a pro no-obis
Nobis peccatoribus
Nunc e-et in hor-ora
I-in hor-ora-a mor-orti-is
No-ostrae-ae

A... men...
A... men...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Michael Crawford's song Ave Maria is a musical interpretation of the prayer of Hail Mary. It is a song that is dedicated to the Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ, who is considered the epitome of love, compassion, and mercy. "Ave Maria" is a Latin phrase that means "Hail Mary," an expression of reverence and devotion to the mother of God. The opening line "Ave Maria" declares the singer's desire to honor and glorify Mary.

The song's lyrics go on to describe how Mary has been blessed with grace, and the Lord is with her, reflecting the belief that she was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ. The singer asks for Mary's intercession on behalf of sinners and those facing death. The lyrics conclude with an affirmation of faith in the power of prayer and a call to the Christian's hope of eternal life: "Amen."

Michael Crawford's rendition of "Ave Maria" captures the religious significance of the song. It is a powerful testimony of faith that inspires listeners to reflect on the beauty of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Overall, the song represents a heartfelt tribute to the Catholic faith, and it is a Schubert's classic that has been sung and played by many artists worldwide.

Line by Line Meaning

A-ve Mari-i-a
Greetings, Mary

Gra-atia ple-ena
Full of grace

Do-ominus te-ecum
The Lord is with you

Be-e-ene-di-i-icta tu
Blessed are you

In mu-li-i-i-eribus
Among women

Et be-enedictus
And blessed

Fruc-tu-u-us ventri-i-is
Is the fruit of thy womb

Tuae, Je-esus
Jesus

Santa Maria
Holy Mary

Maria
Mary

Ora-a pro no-obis
Pray for us