Ave Maria No Morro

Gloria Lasso's song 'Ave Maria No Morro' paints a vivid picture of life in the Morro, a humble village in Rio de Janeiro. The lyrics describe a community that, despite its material poverty, finds a profound sense of spiritual richness and connection to the divine. The imagery of 'quelques toits de planches qui s'accrochent aux nuages' (a few wooden roofs clinging to the clouds) evokes a sense of precariousness and simplicity, yet also a closeness to the heavens. This duality is central to the song's message: the physical elevation of the Morro brings its inhabitants closer to God, both literally and metaphorically.

The song contrasts the lives of the Morro's residents with those of the wealthier people living in bungalows. Despite lacking material wealth, the villagers' Sundays are described as more beautiful, filled with simple joys and a deep sense of community. The repeated invocation of 'Ave Maria' serves as a prayer for protection and gratitude, highlighting the villagers' reliance on faith. The absence of a formal chapel is compensated by the natural beauty of their surroundings and their close-knit relationships, suggesting that true spirituality transcends physical structures.

'Ave Maria No Morro' also touches on themes of mortality and the afterlife. The lyrics mention that those who die in the Morro are 'déjà presque dans le ciel' (already almost in heaven), emphasizing a belief in a seamless transition from earthly life to the divine. The presence of a 'bon vieux Padre' (good old priest) who conducts prayers in a simple barn further underscores the idea that faith and community are what truly matter. The song's recurring prayer, 'Ave Maria,' is both a plea for divine protection and a celebration of the villagers' serene and spiritually rich lives.