Giovanna D'Arco

Francesco De Gregori's 'Giovanna D'Arco' is a lyrical masterpiece that delves into the introspective thoughts of a soldier, drawing parallels to the legendary figure of Joan of Arc. The song opens with vivid imagery of an unripe wheat field and a soldier under the sun, symbolizing potential and the passage of time. The soldier's longing and regret are palpable as he reflects on missed opportunities and unfulfilled desires, encapsulated in the lines 'Ah, se ti avessi trovato, ah se ti avessi cercato' (Ah, if I had found you, ah if I had looked for you). This sets the tone for a narrative steeped in contemplation and yearning.

The song's second verse shifts to a broader perspective, where the soldier recounts his experiences in France, witnessing the dichotomy of beauty and brutality. The imagery of 'colombe e serpenti' (doves and serpents) and 'rosso ed il nero' (red and black) highlights the contrasts and conflicts inherent in his journey. The soldier's voice, which he uses to sing of his experiences, becomes a metaphor for his expression and identity. The mention of a voice calling his name, knowing his destiny, adds a mystical element, suggesting a predestined path or a higher calling, much like Joan of Arc's divine mission.

In the final verse, the soldier's reflections come full circle as he revisits the unripe wheat field, now under a changing sky and a dying moon. The recurring theme of missed opportunities is echoed in 'Ah, se ti avessi guardato' (Ah, if I had looked at you). The soldier's journey through France, from snow to sea, and the weighing of his life on the scales, underscores the gravity of his experiences and the sacrifices made. The song concludes with the haunting repetition of a voice calling his name, reinforcing the idea of an inescapable destiny and the soldier's deep connection to his past and future.