The meaning of John Hiatt's song "Fly Back Home" revolves around the theme of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more authentic way of life. The lyrics depict encounters with animals, such as a red-tailed hawk, an owl, and a rattlesnake, who serve as metaphors for the loss of humanity's connection to the natural world and to each other. In the first verse, the red-tailed hawk represents a creature displaced by urban development, symbolizing the destruction of nature caused by the proliferation of subdivisions and the loss of dignity and sustenance that result from it. When asked where they will live, the hawk responds by saying he can live anywhere, but humans have made a mess with their development. The chorus describes the desire to return to the "green fields of our youth," where life was simpler, and the language of truth prevailed in relationships with friends and family. The nostalgia for this past time reflects a longing for a more genuine and honest way of living, free from the destruction of the present. The encounter with the owl represents a humorous twist, as the narrator unintentionally startles the owl while driving through a creek. This interaction highlights the disconnect between the natural world and human activities. The mention of a large number of houses and a pickup truck alludes to the materialistic and consumer-driven lifestyle often associated with urban living. The rattlesnake's presence on the road represents a dangerous and potentially lethal encounter, but the narrator chooses to run it over repeatedly until it dies. The rattlesnake's ghost then symbolizes the fear and guilt the narrator holds inside, which continues to haunt them. Overall, the song conveys a sense of loss and longing for a time when the world was less complicated and society adhered to a simpler set of values. It criticizes the destructive impact of development and consumerism on the environment and laments the disconnection between humans and nature. The song ultimately suggests that despite the impossibility of returning to the past, individuals can still strive to live in a more authentic and sustainable way.
