Vita Brevis Lyrics, David Gilmour

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This song was not featured in the newspaper publicity on 5th October 2024 because it is an instrumental track with no singing. However, the song does still have meaning from its title and as part of the wider David Gilmour album. The album’s central theme is mortality so the warning that life is short is very apt.

What does Vita Brevis mean?

The Latin phrase “Vita Brevis” translates to “life is short” in English. It reflects the concept that human life is transient and brief in the grand scheme of things. This phrase is often used as a philosophical reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of our limited time.

The phrase “Vita Brevis” is part of the longer Latin aphorism “Ars longa, vita brevis”, which translates to “Art is long, life is short”. This aphorism is attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. The original Greek version is “Ὁ βίος βραχύς, ἡ δὲ τέχνη μακρή”, which emphasizes the idea that while life is short, the art or craft of medicine (or any skill) takes a long time to master.

The phrase appears in the Aphorisms of Hippocrates, where it serves as a preface to his medical texts. The medieval author Geoffrey Chaucer referenced a similar sentiment in his work “Parlement of Foules” with the line “The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne”. Additionally, the Roman philosopher Seneca referenced the phrase in his work “De Brevitate Vitae” (On the Shortness of Life).

In modern times, the phrase “Vita Brevis” is often used as a philosophical reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of our limited time. It has also been used in various artistic and cultural contexts, such as the Vita Brevis program established in 1998 by The Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston, to commission temporary works of public art.

The phrase continues to resonate with people today, reminding us to value our time and strive for excellence in our pursuits. So, although there are not Vita Brevis Lyrics on David’s new album, the song is still deep in meaning.

1. Black Cat
2. Luck and Strange
3. The Piper’s Call
4. A Single Spark
5. Vita Brevis
6. Between Two Points – with Romany Gilmour
7. Dark and Velvet Nights
8. Sings
9. Scattered