The true story of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc in French) is a fascinating one. Already a legend during her lifetime, she continues to inspire movies, music and other artistic works 600 years after her death. How did an illiterate peasant girl become the national heroine of France?
When Joan was about thirteen years old she started to get visions and hearing voices. Joan believed this to be messages from God and that one of the voices came from the Archangel Michael. The voices would urge her to lead the French army during the Hundred Years’ War. Under Joan’s leadership the French triumphed against the English during the siege of Orléans. About two years after this victory Joan was captured by the enemy and executed in 1431 at the age of nineteen.
In 1920 Joan was canonized and officially became a recognized saint by the Catholic church. She is the patron saint of France, prisoners, soldiers (particularly women) and those who face ridicule for their faith.
Joan’s fearlessness, determination and unshakeable faith served as the inspiration for this song.
The album art is an illustration of a gold-banded Iris (1812) by Pierre-Joseph Redouté and his brother Henry Joseph Redouté. A white iris symbolizes purity and according to the Victorian book “Language of Flowers” by Kate Greenaway an iris also means “message”.
Instruments used in this song: female vocals, piano, bass, drums, strings, synths, bells and handclaps.
Listen on Bandcamp
Lyrics for “Joan of Arc”
They say there’s a story in everyone
When the time comes you’ll know what’s to be done
The sky opened up when mine begun
It’s my calling it’s where I belong
They say there’s a storm in everyone
It’s yours to discover yours to become
Hear my prayer hear my song
We will be free so let’s march on
We must dare until the battle’s won
When danger comes we won’t run
When it begun sky opened up
Heavenly voices from above
And this light feels like home
Warm and bright just like the sun
I believe this is where I belong
Trust this light let it lead me on
I raise my banner in the air
I trust I believe I dare
I will dare until the battle’s won
When danger comes I won’t run
They say there’s a story in everyone
When the time comes you’ll know what’s to be done
