Tal Bachman included Joan of Arc with Cleopatra and Aphrodite his song from the 90's, "She's so High". All three women are completely different from one another but, from a certain point of view, may have qualities desired in a woman. Cleopatra was an independent woman and was able to rule Egypt as Pharaoh by herself. Granted all of her husbands died from "mysterious" causes and may not have been the most beautiful woman, Cleopatra was able to seduce two very powerful men with her intelligence. Like Cleopatra, Aphrodite has faults about her. She is a woman based on sex and has multiple partners but she is thought to be an incredibly beautiful woman and able to control men with her physical beauty. Joan of Arc was a virgin and a warrior. Joan went as far as to "unsex" herself and wear mens clothing. There are still qualities within Joan that would be qualities desired in other women. Joan was pure, innocent, and determined. She had her own army, won the battle of Orleans along with many other, and restored a king to his throne all before she was captured and executed.
After trying to think of desirable qualities in all three of these women, at least one trait was shared by all of them. They were able to control the men around them for whatever goal they had. Cleopatra with her intelligence, Aphrodite with her beauty, and Joan with her faith. I'm sure not all men want to be dominated by the woman they are with but to have a smart, faithful, and beautiful woman seemed to be the ultimate point of the song. The song is about pining for a woman, giving her control of him like Joan, Cleopatra, and Aphrodite had control of their men.
Who was Joan of Arc? Who is Joan of Arc? From modern French politicians to feminists, from spiritualists to Catholics, Joan has different meanings. This site reflects on Joan and the Middle Ages in history, as well as in popular culture, to understand one of the world's great individuals.
Cindy-
ReplyDeleteI loved this song a few years back, and I'm so glad you brought it back into my memory! I am embarrassed to admit I had never before noted the mention of Joan of Arc (or known much about her to appreciate the reference!) I totally agree on how all three of these women mentioned share the commonality of being able to influence the men around them. Especially in a time when women were not given as many social freedoms or exceptions as men! Go girls! Loved the post, and I can now say I have repurchased a great song on my iTunes.
Rachel
Very original idea--I didn't know this song for the Joan class, but once I heard the song, I realized that I'd listened to it before! Thanks! I like the idea of Joan being considered "first class"--though it's kind of funny that he seems to be lusting after these women--or at least using them as ideals of the unattainable or hard to get woman. Does this song sexualize Joan, or no? What do you (all) think?
ReplyDeleteFirst class and fancy free
She's high society
She's got the best of everything
What could a guy like me
Ever really offer?
She's perfect as she can be
Why should I even bother?
Read more: Tal Bachman - She's So High Lyrics | MetroLyrics