She picks the flowers in the morning
Tucks just a few in her hair
The joy of her mother and father
As she spins around unaware

She carries her song into evening
And the dreams of all little girls
She carries the bread to the table
She carries the hope of the world

Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Angels can carry glad tidings
Or burdens to bear in the dark
Love can take both fear and wonder
And hold them inside the same heart

You carried hope and a promise
You carried shame and disgrace
Which was the heavier burden
That drew lines in a little girl’s face?

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus

Held by the love you were holding
Is this what it means to be blessed?
To carry your hope through the darkness
As it carries you into your rest

Ave Maria
Ave Maria


Traditional words and music by Franz Schubert Additional words and music by Jason Gray and Nichole Nordeman / © 2012 Centricity Music Publishing & Nothing Is Wasted Music (ASCAP) / Birdwing Music & Birdboy Songs (ASCAP)