Fields of Gold was written and performed by Sting, and appeared on his fourth studio album, Ten Summoner's Tales (1993), co-produced by Sting with Hugh Padgham. Released as a single on 7 June 1993 by A&M Records in Australia and the UK, it was the second single from the album in North America and the third in some European countries and Australia. Recorded at Lake House in Wiltshire, this slow-paced pop ballad features Brendan Power on harmonica solo, Kathryn Tickell on Northumbrian smallpipes and David Sancious on a synth pad.
The song reached No. 16 in the UK, No. 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the US Adult Contemporary chart and in Canada on RPM. It was certified gold in Germany and platinum in Denmark and New Zealand, and won a BMI Pop Songs Award in 1994. The music video, directed by Kevin Godley, shows Sting as a gold silhouette in a dark village. Critics praised the balladry and Sting's vocals. The track is included on Fields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994 (1994) and The Very Best of Sting & The Police (1997), and was re-recorded in 2006 with lute only for Songs from the Labyrinth. Later covers include versions by Eva Cassidy, whose recording was certified gold by the BPI, Katie Melua, Michael Bolton, Zucchero, Ellie Goulding and Third World.
