Peter Hammill

Van Der Graaf Generator's song "Peter Hammill" delves into the beauty and complexity of mathematics, particularly focusing on transcendental numbers and the elegance of mathematical constants. The lyrics reference Euler's identity, one of the most famous equations in mathematics: e^(iπ) + 1 = 0. This equation is celebrated for its simplicity and the way it connects five fundamental mathematical constants: e, i, π, 1, and 0. The song marvels at the purity and transcendence of these mathematical concepts, portraying them as almost mystical in their perfection.

The repetition of the equation in the lyrics emphasizes its significance and the awe it inspires. By describing mathematics as