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In the village where Joan of Arc was born, there was a beech tree known as The Ladies' Tree. Young girls would dance and sing around it in Spring. During Joan of Arc's trial, she was often interrogated about The Ladies' Tree and whether or not she participated in the dances. This was a weak attempt to connect Joan with pagan rites or witchcraft. Ultimately, Joan of Arc was condemned to death for wearing clothes "not appropriate to her gender," the actual clothes and armor of a soldier, necessary for battle and protection from rape. However, the innocent image of young girls dancing around a tree juxtaposed with the image of maidens being burned on a wooden stake is the haunting paradox in this song.

In addition, the meter and repetition with variations used in the lyrics are inspired by the ancient Sumerian text "The Descent of Inanna." Inanna was the most revered goddess in ancient Mesopotamia. Inanna's priests and priestesses were often transgender. The texts associated with her are possibly the earliest written language known by mankind used for creative or religious purposes, as opposed to simple record keeping. Most scholars believe the texts about Inanna were written by a woman.

The song also explores the topical issue of soldiers' faith in their country being exploited by those in power, often abandoned by the government when their services are no longer needed.

lyrics

The Ladies’ Tree
words & music by 3rian King

Heard voices on the wind
Soft whispers from the sky
Sweet voices on the wind
Echoing inside

I took up arms for war
Arms for my country
Took up arms for my France
And raised her up a king

Blood for my country
Spilt from the heart of me
Shed for my country
To raise up a king

Left by my country
Now charged with heresy
A bargain for the enemy
Abandoned by my king

They pile up kindling
Flesh will be burning
They lay wood for my death
And say they’re men of God

I heard an angel
Be good and go to mass
Like my mother bade me
Be good and love God

I heard an angel
Come down to counsel me
But they say no angel
They blame The Ladies’ Tree

Blame it on The Ladies’ Tree
Build fires under me
Murder maidens in the flames
And say you’re men of God

Flowers will fall now
White petals to the ground
Just as these ashes fall
Fall from The Ladies’ Tree

credits

from Little Bit Of Blue, released March 19, 2013
3rian King - guitar, vocals
Nathan Cohen - violin
Mike Leggio - upright bass
Valerie Thompson - cello
Dayla Stoerzbach - viola
Nate Greenslit - drums
Rich Doyle - additional drums

The Furies:
Aura Valdes
Elizabeth Bean
Norah Solorzano
Ruth Lingford
Shana Cahill

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What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? image

What Time Is It, Mr. Fox? Boston, Massachusetts

Baroque pop meets neo-soul in a steamer trunk.


"Time has come for Mr. Fox" Boston Herald

"Catch him as his star climbs" Time Out NYC


Members:

3rian King - voice, guitar, keys

Nathan Cohen - violin, trumpet

Renee Dupuis - vocals, keys, melodica

Joe Cardoza - upright bass

Dennis Monagle - drums ... more

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