I’ve been feeling pretty relaxed lately. To be honest, it’s an unusual feeling to string a number of restful weeks together. I’m certainly not complaining, by any means. It’s just so. . . different. The goal of my sabbatical has always been to reduce stress and lower my blood pressure. Check and check – so far so good. I think this blog has been helpful, providing me a new creative outlet to explore and motivating me to spend a lot more time with music. Music has certainly been one of the keys – it has been so restorative. I read this morning about scientific studies of music aiding both mental and physical health. Just as songs resonate in our minds and our emotions, they also affect our body’s physiological responses. Interestingly, neuroscience has even come up with the top 20 most relaxing songs. There are a number of songs on this list that I really enjoy, but the song that hits home the most is Sting’s Fields of Gold. Neuroscientists describe it as:
This gentle ballad features soothing vocals, acoustic guitar, and poetic lyrics that evoke a sense of tranquility and nostalgia.
I bought Sting’s CD right before leaving to live abroad. This was a time before the internet, so a move like this felt like cutting off my life back home. I soon discovered how easily I took basic communication for granted. When living in a foreign country where everyday English is limited, at times nonexistent, you really cling onto the English that you have – a book, a song, a letter received in the mail, a phone call home. In a weird way, they become precious pieces that you don’t let go of. You can’t let go. That’s what Fields of Gold was for me. It was my connection to home.
It’s funny, when abroad, I played Fields of Gold over and over and embraced the nostalgia for home. It sometimes got me through the day. Since returning home almost thirty years ago, memories of my life abroad now tug at me whenever I randomly hear it playing on my car radio. It seems nostalgia has no borders. Either way, Fields of Gold came at a unique time of my life, rescued me from homesickness and will always emote very personal feelings whenever I hear it’s melody.
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For a complete playlist, please click here.
For the Spotify playlist, please click here.
You'll remember me when the west wind moves Upon the fields of barley You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky As we walk in fields of gold So she took her love for to gaze awhile Upon the fields of barley In his arms she fell as her hair came down Among the fields of gold Will you stay with me? Will you be my love? Among the fields of barley We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky As we lie in fields of gold See the west wind move like a lover so Upon the fields of barley Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth Among the fields of gold I never made promises lightly And there have been some that I've broken But I swear in the days still left We'll walk in fields of gold We'll walk in fields of gold Many years have passed since those summer days Among the fields of barley See the children run as the sun goes down Among the fields of gold You'll remember me when the west wind moves Upon the fields of barley You can tell the sun in his jealous sky When we walked in fields of gold When we walked in fields of gold When we walked in fields of gold
MyGenXerLife 
This is beautifully written! I totally relate to the music from your time abroad having a place in your heart forever. “Take on Me” by Aha (I think I brought it on a cassette) is the song that always brings me back. Pre-internet, abroad was really ABROAD.
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It’s nice to meet someone who truly understands abroad pre-internet! I don’t think one can really understand it unless you lived it. There were definite highs and lows. What an experience! I was away for a year. What about you?
Take on Me! That’s a good one. I immediately think of the mtv music video. Such a good song!
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Just one semester in Rome. And my parents visited, so not as brave as you! I saw Sting live there. I think it was the Dream of Blue Turtles tour. Right, that A-ha video is an mtv classic
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A semester is still a long time! I think any length of time living in a foreign country takes courage. Bravo, to you. Must have been a wonderful experience. And seeing Sting live… wow
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One of my top favourites! 👍
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Me, too!
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Great song! Sting is playing here on my bday and I was thinking about grabbing tix. I’m not a die hard fan, but there’s never been a song I didn’t like, and it seems like a pretty iconic performer to see in a relatively small venue.
I know what you mean about feeling good for a few weeks seems unusual, and I’m glad you’re feeling well! And I couldn’t agree more about music. “Without music, life would be a mistake” Nietzsche
We recently got Sirius and I’m really enjoying being able to put a radio station on without any commercials but without knowing who or what I would like to listen to per se. I used to love Spotify and/or Apple Music but… it’s so algorithm driven, I don’t get as much randomness or hey I forgot about that song. I’m
so eclectic and I feel like I end up hearing the same songs over and over, or I go on one random jaunt one day and it overtakes all my streams. That said, even Sirius seems repetitive if you play the same station too long and I tend to have music playing the whole time I’m awake.
I hope you stay well, relaxed, and that BP stays down too!
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Oh man… small venues are the best. It’s a lot more intimate and a great experience.
Random music is great. I love finding new artists this way. I’ve only tried Sirius a few times when I’ve had a rental car, never thought about signing up. I think I’ll look into that.
Have an amazing birthday!
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Yeah! I’m lucky – I live outside of Reno and the casinos get some amazing shows! I am reaaaally happy with Sirius. I think they do free trials.
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I think I’ll check out the free trial. Thanks for the tip! Hope you get to see some great shows!
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Music heals, doesn’t it? I love that song by Sting. I also really like the songs on the playlist of the article you linked to. Great post, as always. 💕
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Yes, it really does. I think it’s taken me years to rediscover this. I agree, the songs I recognize on the list are really good. Maybe part of the allure to these songs lies in the relaxing qualities they hold. As always, thank you stopping by and for the comments. Much appreciated
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Very beautiful song 🎶 ❤️
Music is amazing – soothes the savage beast… can change a mood with song styles… absolutely helps with relaxation or feeling better … can attach memories or feelings
Music is amazing 🎶❤️
Very beautiful song 👏❤️
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Yes, this really is a special song. Thanks for stopping by for a listen
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I can confirm that Fields of Gold is relaxing. I brought Sting’s CD “Ten Summoner’s Tales” to the hospital when I gave birth to my youngest daughter. I played Fields of Gold over and over again to relax me during labor. Sorry if that is TMI, but it sure helped get me through a rough time!
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Ten Summoner’s Tale is a great CD. Great that it helped you through a trying time. I just unboxed all of my cds a few days ago. I’ll have to find it and listen to it again. Not TMI, thanks for commenting!
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I love the song, it never gets old
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I agree. So good
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Beautiful song, love your post
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Thank you. This song never gets old…
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Beautiful song🎸🥁 When I went to Nice France at the end of 2021, Covid unexpectedly became very bad then. One day walking on Promenade des Anglais, suddenly I heard a musician playing the music of “Field of Gold”, I felt so touching!
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Sounds like a wonderful moment in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Beauty among the grey. I’m sure you’ll always remember that moment
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