Angel Quote by Terry Pratchett
“That's a nice song,' said young Sam, and Vimes remembered that he was hearing it for the first time. It's an old soldiers' song,' he said. Really, sarge? But it's about angels.' Yes, thought Vimes, and it's amazing what bits those angels cause to rise up as the song progresses. It's a real soldiers' song: sentimental, with dirty bits. As I recall, they used to sing it after battles,’ he said. 'I've seen old men cry when they sing it,’ he added. Why? It sounds cheerful.' They were remembering who they were not singing it with, thought Vimes. You'll learn. I know you will.”
About This Quote
Source Discworld: Jingo, 1997
Vimes reflects on how a soldier's song, though sentimental, carries the weight of war memories and emotions.
In simple terms: Songs can hold deep, conflicting feelings from war.
Key Takeaway
Listen to the stories behind songs.
Themes
memory
war
music
empathy
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military gatherings
- memorial services
- storytelling
- historical documentaries
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
nostalgia
conflict
human experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions do war songs evoke?
- How do they shape our view of conflict?
A Different Perspective
Songs may also glorify war, which can be problematic.
