Born on May 7, 1962, in Graz, Martin studied solo singing at Kunstuniversitдt Graz (i.e., University of Music and Dramatic Arts) in 1982 and, as a means of financing her studies, sung lead vocals in the tanzband the Heart Breakers from 1986 until 1992. Her band released one album, Dafьr Dank' Ich Dir (1990), billing itself as the Heart Breakers mit Dr. Ilse Bauer. During this period, Martin also studied art history and ethnology, earning her Ph.D. in 1990; from 1990 until 2000 she worked as an art teacher, starting her own ceramics business in Graz in 1994.
In 1995 Martin embarked on her solo singing career, signing to Koch Records and proceeding to release her solo debut, La Luna Blu (1996). The album spawned one of her all-time hits in the title track, which competed for the Grand Prix der Volksmusik, ultimately winning second place among Austrian participants. Martin's second album, Immer Nur Sehnsucht (1997), also put her in the running for the Austrian Grand Prix der Volksmusik, spawning the major hit "Goodbye Farewell." Martin's third album, Klinge Mein Lied (1999), became her most successful to date -- her first to reach gold sales status -- despite not spawning a hit on the level of "La Luna Blu" or "Goodbye Farewell."
Well established as a hitmaker with commercial appeal, Martin retired from teaching in 2000 and began focusing on her singing career full-time. A long string of popular albums resulted, including Mein Liebeslied (2000), Napoli Adieu (2001), Drei Stimmen d'Amour (2001; co-featuring Mara Kayer and Francine Jordi), Mein Gefьhl (2002), Das Beste von Monika Martin (2002), Himmel aus Glas (2003), Eine Liebe Reicht fьr Zwei (2004), Ave Maria: Lieder zur Stillen Zeit (2004), Ein Kleines Glьck (2005), Schmetterling d'Amour (2005), Heute Fьhl' Ich Mich Wie Zwanzig (2006), and Aloha Blue (2007) -- most of which were Top 20, if not Top Ten, hits in Austria and anywhere from Top 50 to Top 100 hits in Germany. Her most popular singles during this period include "Gib Einem Kind Deine Hand" (2000), "Schweige Mein Herz" (2000), "My Love" (2000), "Napoli Adieu" (2001), "Hast Du Heute Schon Gelдchelt" (2002), "Eine Liebe Reicht fьr Zwei" (2004), "Ich Trдum Mich Heute Nacht in Deine Arme" (2005), and "Heute Fьhl Ich Mich Wie Zwanzig" (2006). ~ Jason Birchmeier
Ave Maria No Morro
Monika Martin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In seinen Händen, hält er bescheiden, eine Gitarre, und schlägt leise die Akkorde, und dabei singt er dieses Lied. Ohne zu schauen, hasten die Menschen, achtlos vorbei, und so bleibt der Teller leer, der einem Armen Brot geben soll.
Doch plötzlich fallen, zwei gold´ne Münzen, in seinen Teller - das war Maria.
Ave Maria, die immer Gute, hat ihn gesehenund still gegeben. Ave Maria - Ave Mariadu gehst einher mit off´nen Händen, niemals wird deine Liebe enden, Ave Maria Ave Maria, die imer Gute, hat ihn gesehen und still gegeben. Ave Maria - Ave Maria...
The lyrics "Grauverhüllt in Lumpen, sitzt ein Bettler auf der Strasse, an der Ecke in Rio de Janeiro" translates to "Shrouded in gray rags, a beggar sits on the street corner in Rio de Janeiro." This sets the scene and we can imagine a poor, downtrodden man with little to his name. The next line, "In seinen Händen, hält er bescheiden, eine Gitarre, und schlägt leise die Akkorde, und dabei singt er dieses Lied," tells us that he may not have much, but he has his guitar, and he's playing soft chords and singing a song. His music may not be loud, but it's enough to express himself and help him get through his difficult circumstances. Despite this, people hurry past him without a second glance, showing the lack of compassion in society.
The turning point of the song is when "zwei gold´ne Münzen" (two golden coins) fall into his empty plate. It's implied that only someone like the always-good Maria would be the one to give this poor man something so valuable. From then on, the chorus repeats "Ave Maria" several times, praising her for her kindness and generosity towards the poor. This song reflects the religious culture and traditions of Brazil, as well as the strong belief in helping those less fortunate than ourselves. It serves as a reminder to practice empathy towards everyone we encounter, even if they don't seem to demand our attention or help.
Line by Line Meaning
Grauverhüllt in Lumpen, sitzt ein Bettler auf der Strasse, an der Ecke in Rio de Janeiro.
A beggar covered in gray rags sits on the street corner in Rio de Janeiro.
In seinen Händen, hält er bescheiden, eine Gitarre, und schlägt leise die Akkorde, und dabei singt er dieses Lied.
He humbly holds a guitar in his hands, softly strumming the chords while singing this song.
Ohne zu schauen, hasten die Menschen, achtlos vorbei, und so bleibt der Teller leer, der einem Armen Brot geben soll.
People pass by hurriedly without a glance, leaving the plate that should give bread to the poor empty.
Doch plötzlich fallen, zwei gold´ne Münzen, in seinen Teller - das war Maria.
Suddenly, two golden coins fall into his plate - it was Maria.
Ave Maria, die immer Gute, hat ihn gesehenund still gegeben.
Ave Maria, the always good, saw him and gave silently.
Ave Maria - Ave Maria
du gehst einher mit off´nen Händen, niemals wird deine Liebe enden, Ave Maria Ave Maria, die imer Gute, hat ihn gesehen und still gegeben. Ave Maria - Ave Maria...
Ave Maria, you walk with open hands, your love will never end. Ave Maria, the always good, saw him and gave silently. Ave Maria - Ave Maria...
Contributed by Logan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dan Liftman
on Goodbye Farewell
Sehr schoen!