Magic is not that magic

Over the years I've heard people complain that D&D magical isn't very well magical or mystical and it seems awfully prosaic and pragmatic.

That is true but its pretty historical in its used as well.

Not much of that  historical magic survives but what we have  from Rome and other periods were used for rather pragmatic things, increasing the food supply, healing, protection from disease or foes  getting sex and at times  as a weapon.

It really wasn't very mystical at all and D&D magic in any  edition especially any  that had overt real world physical effects would end up used for perfectly mundane  purposes.

 To my way of thinking, this is how it should be. YMMV of course.