The "Ave Maria" is a beloved and iconic piece of music, originally composed by Franz Schubert in 1825. The lyrics, written by Sir Walter Scott, are a poetic adaptation of the Latin "Ave Maria" prayer. Below are the English lyrics to the "Ave Maria" song:
Introduction to Ave Maria
Ave Maria, also known as “Ellens Gesang III” or “Ellen’s Third Song,” is part of Schubert’s Opus 52, a collection of seven songs from Sir Walter Scott’s poem “The Lady of the Lake.” The piece has become one of the most recognizable and celebrated melodies worldwide, often performed at weddings, funerals, and other significant events.
English Lyrics to Ave Maria
Here are the English lyrics to Ave Maria, as adapted from the original poem by Sir Walter Scott:
Ave Maria, maid of might,
In heaven's starry light,
Thy beauty shines, so divine,
That angels, in delight,
Look down upon thy face,
And see the love of heaven in thy lovely eyes.
In sorrow, in grief, in pain,
We call upon thy name,
And in our darkest hour,
Thy comfort, we implore,
To calm our troubled breast,
And soothe our souls, once more.
Ave Maria, hear our prayer,
And let our cries, come unto thee,
In mercy, and in love,
We ask thy gentle hand,
To guide us, through life's plodding way,
And lead us, to eternal light.
Context and Interpretation
The “Ave Maria” song is an adaptation of the traditional Catholic prayer, “Ave Maria,” which translates to “Hail Mary” in English. The original prayer is a devotion to the Virgin Mary, asking for her intercession and blessing. In the song, Schubert and Scott transformed the prayer into a poetic and musical masterpiece, conveying a sense of hope, comfort, and spiritual guidance.
| Section | Lyrics and Significance |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Invoking the beauty and divine nature of the Virgin Mary |
| First Verse | Describing Mary's heavenly presence and the comfort she provides |
| Second Verse | Expressing the longing for Mary's guidance and solace in times of sorrow |
| Third Verse | A prayer to Mary, seeking her mercy, love, and guidance |
Key Points
- The "Ave Maria" song is a musical adaptation of the traditional Catholic prayer, with lyrics written by Sir Walter Scott.
- The piece is part of Schubert's Opus 52, a collection of seven songs from Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake."
- The song has become a beloved and iconic piece of music, often performed at significant events and in various settings.
- The lyrics convey a sense of hope, comfort, and spiritual guidance, invoking the beauty and divine nature of the Virgin Mary.
- The song's significance extends beyond its musical beauty, representing a connection to faith, spirituality, and the human experience.
The "Ave Maria" song continues to inspire and uplift people around the world, its timeless beauty and spiritual significance making it a cherished piece of music for generations to come.
What is the origin of the “Ave Maria” song?
+The “Ave Maria” song was composed by Franz Schubert in 1825, with lyrics written by Sir Walter Scott. It is part of Schubert’s Opus 52, a collection of seven songs from Scott’s poem “The Lady of the Lake.”
What is the meaning behind the “Ave Maria” lyrics?
+The “Ave Maria” lyrics are a poetic adaptation of the traditional Catholic prayer, “Ave Maria.” The song conveys a sense of hope, comfort, and spiritual guidance, invoking the beauty and divine nature of the Virgin Mary.
Why is the “Ave Maria” song so popular and enduring?
+The “Ave Maria” song has become a beloved and iconic piece of music due to its timeless beauty, spiritual significance, and emotional resonance. Its significance extends beyond its musical beauty, representing a connection to faith, spirituality, and the human experience.
