The Significance of Quoting "In The Bleak Midwinter" in Peaky Blinders

The reference to "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" in Peaky Blinders has become significant, often mentioned when the main characters face death. Originally a poem, the Christmas carol was transformed into an anthem by composer Harold Darke in 1909. Despite the oddity of quoting a carol in such dire circumstances, British troops during World War I found solace in singing this song in the trenches.

In Peaky Blinders season 4, after the death of John Shelby, Tommy shares with the crowd at the funeral how they sang "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" when they were cornered behind enemy lines with no ammunition. Anticipating an attack by Prussian cavalry, they braced themselves for death and sang the carol for comfort. Fortunately, the cavalry never appeared, leading the Small Heath Rifles to cherish every moment they had as a bonus.

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Season 1, Episode 1

Tommy Utters The Carol When Faking Danny's Death

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders - Tommy Utters The Carol When Faking Danny's Death - Season 1, Episode 1

The first appearance of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" in Peaky Blinders is in season 1, episode 1. Tommy fakes the killing of his comrade from the war, Danny Whizz-Bang, who suffers from severe post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) from his time in France. During a PTSD-induced fit, Danny kills an Italian in the territory of an Italian gang, putting Tommy in a tough spot. Tommy decides to fake Danny's death by using a bullet case filled with sheep brains instead of handing him over to the Italians.

In using the phrase, Tommy reminds Danny (who believes he is really being shot) of the pact they made during the war. This is meant to bring peace to Danny by acknowledging that they have already lived longer than they should have. The Small Heath Rifles view their survival as a form of death, having left a part of themselves on the battlefield in France. Even Danny accepts this when he tells Tommy, "I died over there anyway Tommy."

Season 2, Episode 6

Tommy Utters The Carol When He's Kidnapped By The IRA

Tommy Shelby in Norfolk Prison in Peaky Blinders - Tommy Utters The Carol When He's Kidnapped By The IRA - Season 2, Episode 6

The intense "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" Peaky Blinders moment happens in the season 2 finale. Tommy gets kidnapped from the Epsom racetracks by members of the Irish Republican Army. They take him to a remote area where they have a grave prepared. Tommy is forced to kneel, a gun pointed at his head, and he calmly says the phrase "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" as he prepares for the worst. Surprisingly, one of the IRA members kills the others and discloses that he is actually a spy working for Winston Churchill.

Before Tommy Shelby dies, he wants to make peace with his fate. When faced with IRA operatives pointing a gun at him, he quietly says "in the bleak mid-winter" to himself, a reminder of his past "death." As he is forced to kneel, Tommy reflects on how close he was to achieving his goals for himself and his family. Remembering the words of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" helps him let go of regrets and accept the time he had left, facing death with acceptance.

Season 3, Episode 1

The Choir Sings The Carol At Tommy & Grace's Wedding

Peaky Blinders collage: Annabelle Wallis as Grace on the left and Cillian Murphy as Tommy on the right - The Choir Sings The Carol At Tommy & Grace's Wedding - Season 3, Episode 1

"In the Bleak Mid-Winter" makes a return in the next episode of Peaky Blinders, where the season 3 premiere kicks off with Tommy and Grace tying the knot. As the ceremony begins and Grace walks down the aisle, the choir performs the song. It is worth mentioning that Grace tragically meets her end shortly after the wedding, so the song may have been a hint at what was to come. Even though none of the main characters directly quote the song during this scene, its choice for Tommy's wedding holds significance.

The use of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" may have been a way to foreshadow Grace's unfortunate fate, but it also serves as a contrast to how the Peaky boys typically use the phrase. Normally, they reference the song when facing death, as a reminder that they are living on borrowed time. However, in this instance, the song is used to highlight that positive outcomes can also arise from their extended lease on life. It encourages them to be grateful for the opportunities that come their way, not just when facing imminent danger.

Season 4, Episode 1

Arthur & John Quote The Carol With Nooses Around Their Necks

Paul Anderson looking around as Arthur Shelby in Peaky Blinders. - Arthur & John Quote The Carol With Nooses Around Their Necks - Season 4, Episode 1

In Peaky Blinders season 4, there is a tense moment when Arthur, John, and Michael face execution for their past crimes. Fortunately, Tommy intervenes just in time to save them from the gallows. As the nooses are being placed around Arthur and John's necks, they defiantly recall their motto, "In the Bleak Mid-Winter."

Season 4, Episode 2

In this episode, the brothers are using the phrase "in the bleak mid-winter" to prepare themselves for death, similar to what Tommy did in the season 2 finale. They use this phrase to remind themselves of their agreement to accept death when it comes. John and Arthur are both ready to face death at any moment, and saying this quote is a way for them to stay brave and not be afraid.

Tommy Quotes The Carol Upon Viewing John's Body In The Morgue

Tommy Shelby sitting in a chair in Peaky Blinders. - Tommy Quotes The Carol Upon Viewing John's Body In The Morgue - Season 4, Episode 2

The next time "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is quoted in Peaky Blinders is when John Shelby dies, one of the saddest moments in the series. It is a shocking twist that hits viewers hard. After John's death, Arthur and Tommy visit his body at the morgue. As they stand by his corpse, Tommy says the song and makes Arthur repeat it with him. The song resurfaces at John's funeral, where Tommy explains its importance to the mourners.

Tommy and Arthur use the song to cope with their grief over John's premature death. They remind themselves that they all faced death in France, so they must not let sorrow consume them. By acknowledging John's bonus life, they try to focus on the extra time they were fortunate to have with him.

Season 6, Episode 6

Tommy Mentions The Carol When He's About To Shoot Himself

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby holding a gun to Aneurin Barnard as Doctor Holford in Peaky Blinders season 6 episode 6. - Tommy Mentions The Carol When He's About To Shoot Himself - Season 6, Episode 6

The iconic phrase "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is mentioned for the last time in Peaky Blinders season 6. This moment occurs as Tommy contemplates taking his own life due to a false diagnosis of tuberculoma. As he raises his gun to his head, his deceased daughter, Ruby, appears and prompts him to dig deeper into the situation. Tommy discovers that his doctor is actually a Nazi and the tuberculoma diagnosis was a deception.

The Peaky Blinders Movie Should Reference In The Bleak Midwinter

Tommy mentions "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" as a way of accepting his fate of death. He acknowledges that he has lived longer than expected and is preparing himself for the inevitable. This mirrors a moment in Peaky Blinders season 2 when Tommy faces the possibility of death at the hands of IRA operatives. By using these words, Tommy bids farewell to the world and pays homage to the Small Heath Rifles.

Tommy's Last Words In The Movie Being The Carol Would Be A Fitting End

Tommy Shelby looking to the side in Peaky Blinders - Tommy's Last Words In The Movie Being The Carol Would Be A Fitting End - The Peaky Blinders Movie Should Reference In The Bleak Midwinter

The popular "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" Peaky Blinders trend has become a significant part of the show, and it is likely to be featured in the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie. While details about the movie are still scarce, there are two possible directions it could take. It may focus on Tommy Shelby starting a new life in a world that believes he is dead, or it could center on his quest for revenge against Oswald Mosley. In either scenario, the fate of Tommy's life will likely be at stake.

It is uncertain if the Peaky Blinders movie will bring Tommy Shelby's story to a definite conclusion, and there is a possibility that the protagonist may not survive. Whether Tommy meets a violent end that has seemed inevitable throughout his life or a peaceful one he had hoped for, the use of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is crucial in concluding his story. As this quote has been associated with near-death experiences and the fear of losing loved ones around Tommy, hearing him utter these words as his final farewell would provide a fitting conclusion to his complex character.

Editor's P/S:

The use of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" in Peaky Blinders is a poignant and haunting reminder of the fragility of life. The carol's association with death and loss adds an emotional weight to the characters' struggles, highlighting their resilience in the face of adversity. The carol's lyrics, which speak of hope and comfort amidst darkness, offer a glimmer of solace in the show's often bleak and violent world.

The fact that the carol was sung by British troops during World War I adds another layer of significance. The soldiers, facing the horrors of war and the possibility of death, found solace in singing this song. Similarly, the characters in Peaky Blinders, who have endured unimaginable hardships and loss, find comfort and strength in the carol's words. "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" becomes a symbol of their shared experiences and their determination to overcome the challenges they face.