Unveiling the Hidden Secrets: In the Bleak Midwinter Quotes from Peaky Blinders

Summary

"In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is a key element in Peaky Blinders, often quoted when main characters face near death, reflecting its popularity among British troops in World War I.

The phrase serves as a source of solace and serves as a reminder to characters that each moment they live is a bonus, equipping them to confront death without fear.

Although typically used as a reminder of limited time, "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is also employed during Tommy's wedding to express appreciation for the joys of life and the opportunities for redemption.

The use of the "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" reference in the Peaky Blinders series has become a significant element, particularly when the main characters are facing imminent death. Originally a poem, the carol gained popularity as an anthem after composer Harold Darke adapted it in 1909. Although it may seem unconventional to quote a Christmas carol in the face of death, British troops during World War I embraced the song and often sang it together in the trenches. Tommy Shelby explains the meaning behind "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" and why it is frequently used. In Peaky Blinders season 4, following John Shelby's death, Tommy reveals that they sang this song when he and the rest of the Small Heath Rifles were trapped behind enemy lines, lacking ammunition and expecting to be overwhelmed and killed by Prussian cavalry. This act provided them solace before their anticipated demise. Fortunately, the cavalry never arrived, and the Small Heath Rifles, realizing that every additional minute they lived was a blessing, decided to face death fearlessly with the refrain "in the bleak mid-winter."

Season 1, Episode 1

In the Peaky Blinders series, the first appearance of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" occurs in the first episode of season 1. In this episode, Tommy pretends to kill Danny, a fellow comrade who suffers from severe PTSD. Due to his condition, Danny unintentionally commits a murder within the territory of an Italian gang, thus forcing Tommy to make a decision - either handing Danny over or provoking a war with the Italians. Instead, Tommy chooses to stage Danny's death using a bullet case filled with sheep brains. Just before pulling the trigger, Tommy quietly utters the phrase "in the bleak mid-winter."

By saying this, Tommy aims to remind Danny, who believes he is about to be shot, of their agreement made during the war. The intention behind Tommy's words is to provide Danny with solace by reminding him that they have been living longer than expected, as if surviving on borrowed time. The soldiers of the Small Heath Rifles believe that they died that day in France during the war. It is acknowledged by Tommy and the others that a part of them died in the brutal and chaotic trenches. Even Danny himself recognizes this, as he tells Tommy "I died over there anyway Tommy," just moments before Tommy fires the simulated bullet.

Season 2, Episode 6

In the season 2 finale of Peaky Blinders, a significant moment occurs during the iconic "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" scene. Tommy Shelby, the protagonist, is abducted by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) after a horse race at Epsom. They take him to a secluded area in the countryside, where they have already prepared a grave for him. With a gun pressed against his temple, Tommy resigns himself to his impending death and quietly mutters "in the bleak mid-winter." Suddenly, one of the IRA operatives shoots his comrades, revealing himself to be a spy working for Winston Churchill.

Despite facing certain death, Tommy Shelby strives to find inner peace. As the gun is held to his head, he softly utters "in the bleak mid-winter" to himself, a reminder that he has already faced his own demise in the past. Just moments before being forced onto his knees, Tommy expresses his disappointment in not achieving his aspirations for himself and his family. Quoting "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" serves as a reminder for him to let go of any resentment towards unfulfilled goals and instead embrace the precious extra time he has been granted, ultimately embracing death with acceptance.

Season 3, Episode 1

"In the Bleak Mid-Winter" makes another appearance in the following episode of Peaky Blinders. The premiere of season 3 showcases Tommy and Grace's wedding, with the choir singing the song as the ceremony begins and Grace walks down the aisle. It is worth noting that Grace is tragically killed shortly after their wedding, possibly indicating foreshadowing within the song choice. While none of the main characters directly quote the song in this instance, the decision to have "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" playing during Tommy's wedding holds significant meaning.

Although the use of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" may have been intended to foreshadow Grace's death, it also serves as a contrast to its usual association with the Peaky boys. Typically, they quote the song when they are on the brink of death, reminding themselves of the precious extra time they have been granted. However, in this case, the song is employed to convey that positive outcomes and blessings can arise from their second chances at life. It encourages them to appreciate the opportunities for happiness, not just during imminent danger.

Season 4, Episode 1

In Peaky Blinders season 4, Arthur, John, and Michael face imminent execution for their past crimes. However, just as the nooses are being placed around their necks, Tommy manages to secure their release. It is during this tense moment that Arthur and John utter their motto, "in the bleak mid-winter," as a means of mentally preparing themselves for death. This phrase serves as a reminder of their acceptance of death and their readiness to face it without fear, similar to Tommy's mindset in the season 2 finale. Both Arthur and John live with the constant awareness that death could strike at any moment, and their use of the quote is a way of reinforcing their courage.

Season 4, Episode 2

The next occurrence of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" in the series is one of its most poignant moments. Peaky Blinders is known for its shocking twists, but the devastating loss of John Shelby stands out among them. Following John's demise, Arthur and Tommy pay a visit to the morgue to see his lifeless body. As they stand vigil over John, Tommy quietly utters "in the bleak mid-winter," compelling Arthur to join in. Later, at John's funeral, the song resurfaces, as Tommy elucidates its significance to the grieving crowd.

In this particular scene, Tommy and Arthur are consciously attempting to suppress their anger over John's untimely death by invoking these words. They perceive that they all perished in France, and therefore, they must not succumb to overwhelming sorrow. John was granted an extended lease on life, and their aim is to remind themselves to appreciate the additional time they were fortunate to have with him.

Season 6, Episode 6

In the final moments of Peaky Blinders season 6, the phrase "in the bleak mid-winter" is uttered for one last time. This occurs as Tommy contemplates ending his own life due to the belief that he is suffering from tuberculoma. In a desperate act, he raises his gun to his head, reciting these words before being visited by the apparition of his deceased daughter, Ruby. Her presence persuades him to dig deeper into his situation. Fortunately for Tommy, he uncovers the truth that his doctor is actually a Nazi and the tuberculoma diagnosis was a deceit.

By saying "in the bleak mid-winter" in this instance, Tommy is accepting his fate and surrendering to the inevitability of death. He acknowledges that he has already surpassed his expected lifespan, and wishes to mentally prepare himself for the end. This mirrors a previous encounter with mortality in Peaky Blinders season 2 when he believed he was about to be executed by IRA operatives. The words serve as a farewell to the world and a poignant tribute to the Small Heath Rifles.

The Peaky Blinders Movie Should Reference In The Bleak Midwinter

The Peaky Blinders trend known as "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" has become such an integral part of the show that its inclusion in the planned Peaky Blinders movie is almost certain. While there are still limited details about the movie, there are a few possible directions it could take based on how the series concluded. It could either focus on Tommy Shelby starting a new life in a world that believes him to be dead or on his quest for revenge against Oswald Mosley. In either scenario, it is expected that Tommy's life will be at stake at some point.

Although it is not clear if the Peaky Blinders movie will provide a definitive conclusion to Tommy Shelby's story, there is a strong possibility that the protagonist will not survive. Whether it is a violent demise that Tommy has seemingly been destined for or a peaceful ending he had longed for, the use of "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" is crucial in bringing his story to a close. As this quote has been recited during near-death experiences and moments of fear for those close to Tommy, hearing him utter it as his final words would be a fitting conclusion for such a multi-faceted character.