Ave Maria

Album: I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • London-based songwriter Amanda Ghost (James Blunt's "You're Beautiful") co-wrote this song in which Beyoncé re-imagines the classic aria "Ave Maria" in a new musical setting.

    Ghost told the Daily Telegraph (November 8, 2008) the original inspiration for this track: "We were talking about how much we loved the Schubert 'Ave Maria.' We had both recently got married, and it turned out we had both come up the aisle to that song. So I said wouldn't it be great to try and rewrite it. And the lyric is very much about her. She talks about being surrounded by friends but she's alone: 'How can the silence seem so loud?' and then 'There's only us when the lights go down'. I think that's probably the most personal line on the whole album about her and Jay, because they are very real, and they're very much in love, and it must be pretty tough to have that love when you're incredibly famous."

Comments: 4

  • Nina Marie from AustraliaBeyoncés song is Beautiful but why rewrite such an amazing song like Ave Maria, use not just some of the lyrics but also part of the melody plus name it the same and then call it your own. This is wrong. You cannot improve on perfection.
  • Avery from Monroe, NcBeyoncé did an amazing job with this song!
  • Dave from Sterling, Fldoing a wank job like this on one of the most beautiful songs ever written is a crime.
  • Ave Maria from Philadelphia, PaMy name is Ave Maria. I wonder if people are going to start naming their daughters this...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.