The Fields of St. Etienne is a song by Welsh singer Mary Hopkin. The lyrics describe a peaceful and idyllic scene of wandering through fields of corn amidst the morning dew with a lover. However, the song also alludes to the dark clouds of war gathering in the distance. The chorus "Au revoir my love, though the reasons pass me" suggests that the singer and her lover must part ways despite not understanding the reasons why. The reason for this separation is not explicitly stated, but could be understood as a consequence of the war mentioned throughout the song. The second half of the song is sung from the perspective of a young man who joins the army and goes to war, never to return. His naivety is highlighted as he sings proudly and loudly about war, but ultimately meets a tragic fate. Overall, The Fields of St. Etienne is a bittersweet song that juxtaposes the beauty of nature with the horrors of war. It conveys a sense of longing for a simpler and more peaceful time that has been disrupted by the chaos and devastation of war.
