What is Leonard Cohen's song, 'Joan of Arc' about?

Joan of Arc was released March 19, 1971 on Leonard Cohen's third album, Songs of Love and Hate. It was also released, coupled with Diamonds in the Mine, as a 45. jofarc45. Cohen's song is constructed as a dialogue between Joan of Arc, who is being burned at the stake, and the fire ravishing her. read more

"Joan of Arc" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was released as a single in March 1971 from his third album, Songs of Love and Hate. The song lasts almost six-and-a-half minutes, and is composed of four stanzas of eight lines each with a"la-la" refrain. read more

I couldn't find anything that specified what Mr. Cohen said about it. This is a very haunting song when you really listen to the words. read more

General CommentThe song"Joan of Arc" captivated me as a teenager when I first heard it on a Judy Collins album I had purchased. I pondered the words and message. I also noted that it was written by Leonard Cohen. read more