Joan of Arc by Arcade Fire Lyrics Meaning – The Resurrection of a Saint in Song
Lyrics
But they like you now
And everything that goes away
Will be returned somehow
They’re the ones that spit on you
‘Cause they got no heart
I’m the one that will follow you
You’re my Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc
You had a vision they couldn’t see so
They put you down
But everything that you said would happen
It came around
And they’re the ones that put you down
‘Cause they got no heart
But I’m the one that will follow you
You’re my Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys their time is through
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys I’ll follow you
I’ll follow you
Now they tell you that you’re their muse
Yeah, they’re so inspired
But where were they when they called your name
And they lit the fire?
When the voices came, you cut your hair
But you’re still confused
But I’m the one with a heavy heart
‘Cause I’ll follow you
My Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys their time is through
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys I’ll follow you
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
When the boys are over you
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys I’ll follow you
I’ll follow you
(I really wanna know you)
Tu dis que tu est mon juge
Mais je ne te crois pas
Alors tu dis que je suis une sainte
Mais ce n’est pas moi
J’entends des voix
Mais ce n’est pas moi
Je ne suis pas Jeanne d’Arc
And if you shoot, you better hit your mark (Hit your mark)
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys their time is through
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys I’ll follow you
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
When the boys are over you
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc)
Tell the boys I’ll follow you
I’ll follow you
Joan, it’s true
I only wanna to know you
Joan, it’s true
it’s true, I only wanna to know you
But Joan
I only wanna to know you
(First they love you)
(Then they kill you)
(Then they love you again)
(And then they love you)
(Then they kill you)
(Then they love you again)
(Love love you)
(Kill kill you)
And then they love you again
They love love you
Kill kill you
And then they love you again
Arcade Fire’s ‘Joan of Arc’ is a masterful examination of adulation, betrayal, and the oscillating perceptions of heroism. The song, from their album ‘Reflektor’, transcends historical narrative to touch upon the universal theme of how our society builds and destroys icons.
Diving into the lyrics with scalpel-like precision reveals layers of meaning. The band crafts a parallel between the martyrdom of the French heroine and the modern individual’s fight for truth against societal pressures, with provocative imagery and sweeping sounds. Here we dissect the song, seeking the marrow of its message.
Hero Worship: From Contempt to Reverence
The opening lines, ‘You’re the one that they used to hate / But they like you now,’ encapsulate the capricious nature of public opinion. The verses suggest an ironic twist in the fate of those once vilified, later celebrated – a sentiment that echoes the posthumous glorification of historical figures like Joan of Arc herself.
Arcade Fire presents a biting commentary on this temporal evolution of reputation, probing into how the passage of time may transform scorn into admiration. The lyrics denote the cyclical pattern of human judgment and the transience of societal approval.
The Unseen Visions: Acknowledging the Misunderstood
As the song unfurls, the lyrics draw attention to insights that are marginalized until they ultimately prevail: ‘You had a vision they couldn’t see so / They put you down.’ Here, the band empathizes with those ostracized for their ahead-of-their-time ideas, recognizing the pioneering spirits often subjected to ridicule.
In a world where prevailing norms often dictate acceptance, the song champions those who stand firm in their convictions, an homage to dissenters and dreamers who, like Joan, face persecution for their divergent perspectives.
The Fickle Muse: Fairweather Allegiances Exposed
‘Now they tell you that you’re their muse / Yeah, they’re so inspired,’ the song mocks the hollow nature of inspiration that prances in after the danger has passed. It highlights the hypocrisy of those who shy away during times of trial but are eager to align themselves with success in hindsight.
Arcade Fire cleverly highlights the discrepancy between words and actions, noting the lack of support when it was most needed. The use of ‘muse’ is particularly pointed, suggesting a passive objectification of the strong and defiant character of Joan of Arc.
Unpacking the Bilingual Mystique: The Hidden Meaning Within
‘Tu dis que tu est mon juge / Mais je ne te crois pas’ – the sudden shift to French captures the essence of Joan’s defiance as well as emphasizing the Montreal-based band’s own heritage. It puts the listener in the shoes of the misunderstood protagonist while also celebrating the diversity of language and identity.
This lyrical pivot embodies the song’s central theme of misrepresentation and the individual’s resistance against imposed labels and judgments. It enriches the song’s texture and underlines the struggle for self-definition against societal expectations.
The Cycle of Violence and Love: Memorable Lines that Resonate
In the haunting repetition of ‘First they love you / Then they kill you / Then they love you again,’ Arcade Fire encapsulates the mortality of not just the corporeal but of legacy and renown. The haunting repetition mirrors the relentless rhythm of history’s love and violence towards its heroes.
These lines distill the essence of the song — the violent pendulum swing between adoration and annihilation that those like Joan of Arc have endured. Arcade Fire has etched a powerful refrain into the minds of listeners, encapsulating the volatility of human affection.
