Raise the Cross... At the Stake
Song info: this song was written about Joan of Arc and her execution following a number of victories over the English during the Hundred Years' War. During development, the song used a riff that was written for a blues jam band that never panned out. However, it didn't fit in well with most of the song. Instead, a riff from an old song titled "Misao" was used as the main riff (a song named after a video game). Originally, a song with similar lyrical themes was called "The Burning Maiden". However, none of the riffs from that song survived to the final product. The first half of the title and part of the lyrics comes from Joan of Arc's (alleged) last words: "Hold the cross high so I may see it through the flames."
The lyrics for this song were re-written at least three times, mostly in the second verse.
The lyrics for this song were re-written at least three times, mostly in the second verse.
Lyrics Raise the cross above the flames So that all may see A holy sight among the condemned As the spirit set free Flesh disintegrates to ash And the gathered masses cry in glee Yet their cries to towards woe And they beg futile pleas The consequence of a pure soul burned A curse covers the land For doom to reign over the realm The judgment from God's hand As the final day draws near A warrior rides grand Charging from the ash and flames The maiden's vengeful stand Burn! |