The Soldier's Tale is a theatrical work "to be read, played, and danced" by three actors (the soldier, the devil, and a narrator) and dancers, accompanied by a septet of instruments. The libretto relates the parable of a soldier who trades his fiddle to the devil in return for unlimited economic gain. The music is scored for a septet of violin, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, cornet or trumpet), trombone, and percussion. The libretto is adapted by Roger Waters from the translation by Michael Flanders and Kitty Black, based on the original text by Charles-Ferdinand Ramus. Roger Waters recorded the album because of a personal background as Mr. Waters' father went missing in World War II and his grandfather died in battle in World War I. The loss of his father has been a central theme throughout his live and topic for other releases. Telegraph UK: "I think I am still preoccupied by the same things that I was 30 years ago. Losing my father, and that attachment that I have to his humanity, is still central to everything that I do" Roger Waters adapted the English translation of "L'histoire du Soldat" (original title of the piece) and recorded all 3 characters himself with different accents and speaking voices.