Joan Of Arc
Leonard Cohen · Live
Now the flames they followed Joan of Arc
As she came riding through the dark;
No moon to keep her armour bright,
No man to get her through this very smoky night.
She said, "I'm tired of the war,
I want the kind of work I had before,
A wedding dress or something white,
To wear upon my swollen appetite."
La la la la la la...
Well I'm glad to hear you talk this way,
You know I've watched you riding every day
And something in me yearns to win
Such a cold and lonesome heroine.
"Well , who are you?" she sternly spoke
To the one beneath the smoke.
"Why, I'm fire," he replied,
"And I love your solitude. I love your pride."
La la la la la la...
"Then fire, make your body cold,
I'm gonna give you mine to hold,"
Saying this she climbed inside
To be his one, to be his only bride.
And deep into his fiery heart
He took the dust of Joan of Arc,
And high above the wedding guests
He hung the ashes of her wedding dress.
La la la la la la...
It was deep into his fiery heart
He took the dust of Joan of Arc,
And then she clearly understood
If he was fire, oh then she must be wood.
I saw her wince, I saw her cry,
I saw the glory in her eye.
Myself I long for love and light,
But must it come so cruel, and oh so bright?
La la la la la la...
Joan Of Arc - Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen's "Joan Of Arc" is a hauntingly beautiful track from his live recordings, showcasing his signature blend of folk, jazz, and spiritual introspection. The song draws inspiration from the life and martyrdom of the historical figure Joan of Arc, weaving themes of faith, sacrifice, and resilience into a narrative that resonates deeply with listeners. Cohen's distinctive baritone voice and poetic lyricism transform the historical account into a universal meditation on courage and the human condition. Recorded in an intimate setting, the performance captures the raw emotional power of his live style, distinguishing it from his studio work while maintaining the same profound artistic vision. This recording stands as a testament to Cohen's ability to reinterpret historical figures through the lens of contemporary spirituality and musical innovation.