Meaning of "Open Fields" by Dougie MacLean

The lyrics of "Open Fields" delve into the human experience of longing for simplicity and authenticity in a world filled with complexity and artifice. The imagery of great halls and high talk contrasts with the open fields, rolling hills, and running burns that symbolize nature and truth. The speaker expresses a deep sense of brokenness and yearning to return to what is real, highlighting a disconnect between societal expectations and personal desires. The repetition of the longing to return back to nature underscores a desire for a sense of belonging and connection to something greater than oneself. The overall message seems to be a reflection on the value of simplicity, nature, and authenticity in a world that can often feel overwhelming and artificial.