The New Era Project

This song was influenced by a book about the life of "Joan of Arc", one of my all time favorite historical figures, and someone who I have always had allot of compassion, admiration, and respect for, (as I mention in the comments about the song: "The Maiden In The Meadow"), since first learning about her during my catholic school days, as a kid...
The idea for composing this song came in the summer of 2006, during a very difficult period in my own life, when I took a chance by visiting and briefly attending a catholic church here in Walkersville, MD, by the name of St. Timothy; Where I most likely got an ironic glimpse into the spirit (and mind) of how certain crazy "religous" individuals can conspire to commit such cruel acts, and even turn against one of their own people!
I wrote and recorded this track, back in July of 2006...

Note: I have to say, the story of "Joan of Arc" is definately, till this day, a profound mystery; Especially, being that she herself had said, that she would sometimes actually hear the voices, and see the spirits, (from those on the other side), of those who were considered to be well-known saints at the time; as well as: Michael, The Archangel! Who, she said, would speak to her directly, and give her instructions. Yet, by all accounts, Joan was considered (except by her enemies, of course), to be a psychologically, very well-balanced, sensible, bright, and even extraordinarily gifted, young woman; who had a great deal of compassion, and love in her heart. Personality traits, that are not ordinarily associated with someone, for example, who has all the characteristics of being a crazy person, and a schizophrenic. (Or, abnormal). Being, that crazy people, especially schizophrenics, are often known to hear voices as well...

But Joan, was noticeably quite different; as documented by those who objectively observed her personality, and character. And in observing her, even found themselves growing quite fond of her, as they came to greatly admire and like her, themselves. Those people, who knew her personally, and who seemed to be extremely impressed by this remarkable young girl. Yet, the "voices" thing, (as well as, how her young life had ended in such a cruel and violent manner), is something that I myself will probably never fully understand. (Even though, from what was written, and seemed to be indicated, in this particular autobiography about her life that I had read, is that, Joan was captured by her enemies, as a result of a series of several unfortunate mistakes that she may have made herself, that sort of like put her in harms way).

I was moved to such compassion for this poor, simple, young peasant girl, that I almost sort of felt compelled to write this song about her life; Musically telling the story, (in a fairy tale-like way), about an extremely fascinating, and incredibly courageous, and even incredibly "heroic", young, french, maiden girl, who freed France from her enemies...

A story of a life, that touched me deep inside my own heart and soul; as I was reading this particular autobiography about this extraordinary young woman, especially, at this certain period in my life...

I mean, she was a saint! The real thing. And, I could see why. (Someone, who this world was not worthy of. So, they murdered her!) Even though, from what I understand, the Catholic Church itself, didn't admit that it had made a grave mistake, until they had finally canonized her as a saint, something like 500 years later! (Burning any 19 yr old girl at the stake is a grave mistake. Sorry, too late!) And, I would think, those bishops, who couldn't even "shine her shoes", and who ultimately condemned her, and burned her at the stake, are probably themselves burning in hell right now! Grave crime, for sure. And against such a rare, beautiful, (and special) young woman, who had her whole life ahead of her. And to actually be put to death, in such a horrible manner, shows how screwed-up religon, and certain so-called "religous" people, can really get. Joan herself, (being wise beyond her years), must have realized, and known that, all too well. So, if certain "religous" people are capable of commiting such grave, sick, crimes (and atrocities) against the innocent. Well then, one only has to look at the history of man itself; to know, what some people are really capable of.
I would think, Joan's very life (and blood) itself, condemns them...

With all these things said, I do think however, the gifts that Joan possessed, if you were to compare her, to say, some modern day person, would not totally be unlike the psychic/medium: "Allison Dubois". (As depicted in the T.V. series: "Medium", for example). And someone, who has supposedly used her own psychic abilities to assist certain individuals within the law enforcement community, here in the States...
Allison, (being a seemingly remarkable woman herself), in her compassion to help the victims, and their families, has worked with some very decent people, in solving some very difficult crimes. And, I would have to say myself, like Joan, she also seems to be a very credible person, as well. But, that is another story. Joan, just happened to be a religous figure. Because, she was a (sincerely) religous person, who just happened to also be a devout Christian, and a member of the Catholic Church. And, who seemed to be more like Jesus, then most. (I guess). And in more ways then one, it would seem. And therefore, considered to be a saint. As well as, by those like me, someone who sort of like restores ones faith in humanity, in some way; As an example, of the best (and most noble) among our species. And, among the best humanity (and God) has to offer.
And (like Jesus), they killed her! Says allot, man. Can't believe it...
Other Facts: From what I understand, I think the little known official Catholic feast day for Joan of Arc is: May 16th. The anniversary of her death is: May 30th. In fact, her actual feast day may even be: May, 30th. There were so many seemingly conflicting things that I came across, in doing my own research about her, while I was reading the particular story of her life, that I was reading. (Which seemed to be one of the better accounts about her). Things, that were even kind of obscure. Her feast day may even be one of them. One thing that is supposed to be a valid sign, that she is the real thing though, (as difficult as it may be to believe, in itself), is one of the main requirements in the Catholic Church as proof of sainthood, after that person's death, is the three confirmed miracles thing. When someone is considered by the Church for sainthood, or canonization, as it is called, for instance; And to be officially declared a saint, worthy of reverence, and the imitation of their virtues, and the invoking of their intercession, the Catholic Church requires verifiable proof from three different individuals, who may have prayed to a particular saint, and that prayer was answered in a miraculous way. Like, someone who recovers from an incurable disease or illness, for example. Things that have no natural, or rational, explanation. Much like Joan's life itself; but are never-the-less, considered irrefutable, and well documented miracles. And, Joan (from the other side), had supposedly passed that test. God bless her soul...