The Story Behind the Song
"Caledonia" is a modern Scottish folk ballad penned by Dougie MacLean in 1977. The song's chorus, "Caledonia, you're calling me, and now I'm going home," highlights the term "Caledonia," which is a Latin reference to Scotland.
What the Song Means
The composition was born out of MacLean's homesickness for Scotland while he was on a beach in Brittany, France. He wrote it in less than 10 minutes during his early twenties. The song reflects his longing for home after busking with Irish companions and is reminiscent of an earlier tune named "Jean and Caledonia."
A Scottish Classic
"Caledonia" gained popularity quickly and is often regarded as Scotland's unofficial national anthem — hear us play it live.