Caledonia
Dougie MacLean (live) Lyrics
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The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That I might drift away
So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I came from
And that's the reason why I seem
So far away today
[Chorus]
Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time
Caledonia you're calling me
And now I'm going home
If I should become a stranger
You know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia's been everything
I've ever had
Oh and I have moved and I've kept on moving
Proved the points that I needed proving
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Found others on the way
Oh and I have tried and kept on trying
Stolen dreams yes there's no denying
I have traveled far with conscience flying
Somewhere with the wind
[Chorus]
Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The flames that could not get any higher
They've withered now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When the hands are shaken and the kisses flow
Then I will disappear
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Dougie MacLean's song "Caledonia" are a deeply personal reflection on the changes that have come over him as he contemplates the idea of going home. The verses describe a sense of restlessness and uncertainty, as the singer confesses to being afraid that he might drift away. However, the chorus provides a hopeful refrain, as the singer declares his love for Caledonia and makes it clear that returning home is exactly what he needs.
Throughout the song, MacLean weaves a vivid picture of the journey he has been on, using vivid language to describe the people and places he has encountered along the way. He speaks of telling old stories and singing songs that evoke memories of where he came from, and laments the loss of friends that he had to leave behind. However, he also expresses a sense of determination, exulting in the "points that I needed proving" and the dreams he has stolen.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know if you can see
I'm not sure if you can perceive
The changes that have come over me
The transformations I've undergone
In these last few days I've been afraid
Lately, I've been fearful
That I might drift away
That I could become distant
So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
Therefore, I've been narrating past tales, and vocalizing tunes
That make me think about where I came from
Which remind me of my origin
And that's the reason why I seem
Consequently, that's why I appear
So far away today
Distant, as if absent
Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
Still, I must express my love for you
That I think about you all the time
That you're always on my mind
Caledonia you're calling me
Caledonia, you're beckoning me
And now I'm going home
And now I'm returning home
If I should become a stranger
In case I become unfamiliar
You know that it would make me more than sad
You know it would cause me more than grief
Caledonia's been everything
Caledonia has been my entirety
I've ever had
All that I've ever possessed
Oh and I have moved and I've kept on moving
I have relocated and continued to do so
Proved the points that I needed proving
Demonstrated what I needed to confirm
Lost the friends that I needed losing
Lost those friends I needed to let go of
Found others on the way
Encountered new ones throughout my journey
Oh and I have tried and kept on trying
I have endeavored and persisted in doing so
Stolen dreams yes there's no denying
Taken dreams -- it's undeniable
I have traveled far with conscience flying
I have journeyed with my moral compass leading the way
Somewhere with the wind
Somewhere indeterminate
Now I'm sitting here before the fire
Currently, I'm sitting before the fire
The empty room, the forest choir
The vacant chamber and the chorus of the woods
The flames that could not get any higher
The flames that couldn't ascend any further
They've withered now they've gone
They've diminished; they've ceased
But I'm steady thinking my way is clear
Yet, I'm convinced that my path is lucid
And I know what I will do tomorrow
And I've decided what I'll do tomorrow
When the hands are shaken and the kisses flow
When I bid farewell with handshakes and hugs
Then I will disappear
Then, I will depart and vanish
Oh, but let me tell you that I love you
Despite everything, I want to reiterate that I love you
That I think about you all the time
That you're still always on my mind
Caledonia you're calling me
Caledonia, you're calling me back
And now I'm going home
And now, I'm returning home
If I should become a stranger
In case I become a foreigner
You know that it would make me more than sad
You know it would cause me more than grief
Caledonia's been everything
Caledonia has been my entirety
I've ever had
All that I've ever possessed
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidhenry9054
I wonder how many other Scots, living abroad, just feel the need now and again to come back and watch this?
@lauraadamson66
Yip - 100%. It's bizarre - 20 years away but always with me. 'S e albannaich a th' ann!
@thaddiushelicon534
@@lauraadamson66 Absolutely - more than 40 years away and the desire has never left me.
@alastairduncan1222
Been awa since 95 this brings me to tears every time.
I'm currently in Guildford Slurrey bawling my eyes out and maudlin.
@lewysmacdonald2057
100%
@architectwmf
I'm Irish and love Scotland and everything Scottish, including Billy Connelly and The Corries.
We are indeed, kindred spirits
@klaus-peteralde6675
I was hearing this song for the first time in 2020 in Dublin in a Pub, being sung by a guy with so much passion that I was in tears because I had to think of my dad who passed away a year ago.
This year we went to Scotland for the first time and I (being german) finally completely understand the song. This really is a place to hang you heart on an we already long to return.
Thank you for composing this song and thank you unknown musician in the 'Cobblestone' in Dublin for singing the song and putting so much passion in it.
@kevinmccool3400
Well Hooe you enjoyed our country and hope you come back again 👍
@A3._coffie
My Grandpa's name is Doug. He passed away the 23rd of this month, 4 days ago. His funeral was yesterday. I was going through his Facebook last night when I found he linked this song, he listened to this a couple days after my grandma (his wife) passed back in 2018. She heard this song for the first time on her way to my grandpa's dad's funeral. She fell in love with it, and my grandpa loved it because she loved it.
This isn't the type of music I listen to, but it touches my soul in ways words can't describe.
@kevinmccool3400
Sitting here with tears in my eyes reading comments to this song and am Scottish, its a wee country bit full of passion ❤