Leonard Cohen's 1988 concert in Spain, particularly noted for its performance in San Sebastián, was part of his "I'm Your Man" tour. This period was a significant phase in Cohen's career, marking his return to the spotlight with the critically acclaimed album "I'm Your Man" released the same year.

Leonard Cohen wrote the song "Joan of Arc," which appears on his 1971 album "Songs of Love and Hate." The song is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that delves into the life and death of the French heroine Joan of Arc, framing her story through a conversation between Joan and the fire that eventually consumes her. Cohen's lyrics are rich in imagery and metaphor, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny in the context of Joan's martyrdom and her complex relationship with her own legend and fate. As with much of Cohen's work, "Joan of Arc" reflects his deep engagement with historical and religious themes, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary listeners through its emotional depth and poetic craftsmanship.

The 1988 tour, and the San Sebastián concert in particular, highlighted Cohen's transition into a more contemporary sound while still retaining the essence of his songwriting genius. His backing band featured a variety of instruments, from traditional guitars to synthesizers and saxophones, enriching the live renditions of his songs.

While his backup singers, Julie Christensen and Perla Batalla, are both singers are renowned for their vocal talents and contributed significantly to the live renditions of Cohen's songs, providing harmonies that complemented and enhanced the emotional and musical textures of his music.

Lyrics:

Now the flames (they followed) they followed Joan of Arc
As she came riding through the dark (through the dark)
(No) No moon to keep her armor bright (armor bright)
(No) No man (to) to get her through this
Very smoky night (through this smoky night)
She said, "I'm tired of the war (ooh)
I want the kind of work I had before (ooh)
With a wedding dress or something white (ooh)
To wear upon my swollen appetite"
La-da-da, la-da-da...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la...

Well, I'm glad to to hear you talk this way (ooh)
You know I've watched you riding every day
'N something in me yearns to win
Such a cold and lonesome heroine
"And who are you?" she sternly spoke (ooh)
To the one beneath the smoke (ooh)
"Why, I'm fire, " he replied
"And I love your solitude
And I love your pride"
La-da-da, la-da-da...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la...

"Then fire, make your body cold
I'm gonna give you mine to hold"
Saying this she climbed inside
To be his one, to be his only bride
And deep into his fiery heart (ooh)
He took the dust of Joan of Arc
And high above the wedding guests
He hung the ashes of her wedding dress
La-da-da, la-da-da...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la...
It was deep into his fiery heart (ooh)
He took the dust of Joan of Arc
And then she clearly understood
If if he was fire (ooh)
Oh, she then she must be wood
I saw the glory in her eye (in her eye)
Myself (I long) I long for love and light (and light)
(But must) but must it come so cruel (so cruel)
And oh so bright? (And oh so bright?)
La-da-da, la-da-da...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la-la...
La-la-la...

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Leonard Cohen
Joan of Arc lyrics © Sony/atv Songs Llc, Leonard Cohen Stranger Music Inc., Sony Atv Music Publishing Acquisition Inc