Meaning: This quote by Charles de Lint beautifully captures the essence of the power of music and the freedom it brings to those who create it. Let's delve deeper into the meaning behind these words and explore the significance of music in human expression and creativity.

The quote begins with the imagery of stone walls confining a tinker and cold iron binding a witch. These metaphors symbolize the limitations and restrictions imposed on individuals by societal norms and prejudices. Historically, tinkers, who were itinerant travelers and skilled craftsmen, and witches, often associated with magic and the supernatural, were marginalized and ostracized by society. The mention of stone walls and cold iron suggests the physical and metaphorical barriers that confine and oppress these individuals.

However, the quote takes a poignant turn as it contrasts this confinement with the boundless nature of a musician's music. It emphasizes that the music created by a musician can never be fettered because it originates from within the heart and mind. Here, Charles de Lint celebrates the transcendental power of music, highlighting its ability to defy constraints and resonate with pure, unbridled emotion and creativity.

The central theme of the quote revolves around the idea of creative freedom and the indomitable spirit of artistic expression. It suggests that while external forces may seek to confine and control individuals, the creative impulse, particularly in the form of music, remains inherently free and unrestrained. This idea aligns with the broader concept of art as a means of liberation and self-expression, capable of transcending societal barriers and empowering individuals to assert their unique voices.

Furthermore, the quote reflects on the deeply personal and internal nature of musical expression. By asserting that music lives first in the heart and mind of the musician, it underscores the intimate connection between the creator and their craft. Music is portrayed as an intrinsic part of the musician's being, unshackled by external influences and existing as a pure manifestation of their innermost thoughts and emotions.

Charles de Lint, a renowned author known for his contributions to contemporary fantasy literature, adeptly encapsulates the enduring power of music in this quote. His words evoke a sense of resilience and defiance, emphasizing the capacity of music to transcend adversity and resonate with genuine, unbounded emotion. Through this quote, de Lint pays homage to the profound impact of music on the human experience, highlighting its ability to uplift, inspire, and ultimately defy the constraints of the world.

In conclusion, Charles de Lint's quote eloquently champions the liberating force of music and its ability to transcend limitations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic connection between creativity and freedom, emphasizing the enduring power of artistic expression to defy confinement and resonate with unfettered emotion. Through its evocative imagery and profound insight, this quote celebrates the indomitable spirit of musicians and the timeless resonance of their music.