Maid of Orleans
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Lyrics
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Would she give it as a gift?
To such as me who longs to see
How an angel
Ought to be
Her dream is to give her heart away
Like an orphan along the wayShe cared so much, she offered up
Her body to the grave
The lyrics to "Maid of Orleans" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are poetic and enigmatic, presenting ideas of sacrifice, heart, and longing. The singer wonders if Joan of Arc, a historical figure known for her bravery and devotion to her country, had a heart that she would give away to someone like him, who longs to see an angel in the flesh. The phrase "angel ought to be" could be interpreted as someone who is pure, ethereal, and divine, and the singer seems to be in search of that kind of transcendent love.
The second half of the lyrics speak of Joan's dream to give her heart away "like an orphan along the way," which suggests a sense of isolation and longing. She "cared so much" about her cause and the people she served that she offered up her own life, represented here by her body, to the grave. The lyrics are ambiguous, but they could be interpreted as a tribute to Joan's courage and selflessness, while also touching on the idea of unrequited love and yearning.
Line by Line Meaning
If Joan of Arc had a heart
If the historical figure Joan of Arc possessed a heart
Would she give it as a gift?
Would she willingly offer it to someone else?
To such as me who longs to see
To someone like myself who desires to witness
How an angel ought to be
The ideal qualities an angel should possess
Her dream is to give her heart away
Her aspiration is to give her heart to someone else
Like an orphan along the way
Similar to a parentless child during their journey
She cared so much, she offered up
She cared deeply, to the point of sacrificing
Her body to the grave
Her physical being unto death
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andrew McCluskey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PolishPolackski
+skyhawk747
"One of OMD's finest."
Agreed.
Have you seen the sci-fi tv show "Hunters"?
If you like that song and you haven't seen the series - DO NOT start watching it.
If you have... well...
@davidwright4495
After living through the 1980's as a kid it was the best times of my life. Now that I'm 55 it REALLY touches you how beautiful the music was. The 80's music will ALWAYS touch my heart.
@britshop1
yep . no heart these days
@rickogden204
Damn right...I kissed my first girlfriend at a party with this masterpiece playing...happy days
@massimochinello3750
That's all right !
@boriskiuk1181
After being a rockabilly through 1979/80 I then heard Enola gay and fell in love with synth music.This group helped change my life for the better and this tune was one of the greatest hits of the 80's. Whenever I see OMD live and they play this it just brings back some fantastic memories of the early 80's.How I would love to live those days again.Architecture and morality was such a tremendous album with so many fantastic tunes.
@DasSnippo
You say it!
@corinnepmorrison1854
I am almost 77 years-old...and I remember hearing this song coming from my son’s bedroom... Beautiful...❤️🎶
@derekmcdonald8801
Cum doone
@johndavid5618
His song know's no age. ❤️ 💪 💪
@johndavid5618
It does not matter You're age. ❤️ 🙌