YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES by Sting

[@rosemcbride1813]

I love James Taylor. I have for over 60 years. Give or take. I have to say that Sting rolled this precious song right out of the park. Great. Thank you

[@Johntkr]

James Taylor deserves recognition at a level that matches his legacy. Sting does not need this gig; he is there to acknowledge Taylor's rightful place in music.

[@markking2766]

Sting does honor to himself and James Taylor. Words of kindness and humility served up with a beautiful rendition of his friends tender thoughts wrapped within live acoustic music. Loved it. Honest music played by a fan. Thanks Sting.

[@cynthiagonzalez658]

JT really was intolerably handsome in his youth. Sting did good in this song. Although I dk wth that instrument is that he's playing

[@donnadallariva8377]

Bless both of you great song writers & musicians. ❤

[@michaelthomas366]

Well said!

[@mr.e347]

I really cant believe there can be people who dont appreciate this beautiful, honest, soulful version of a classic.

[@da1cre]

The detractors don't seem to realize that James Taylor stood up when Sting was introduced... AND... James Taylor gave a standing applause when the song was done.

[@DavidB-rx3km]

That's like saying an oil company executive gave an applause. There is nothing honest about either of these people (anymore).

[@mariansmith7694]

Greatest compliment an artist can pay to another artist.

[@MaguireGuitar]

Are there detractors? Why? It’s a great song and Sting does a fine job.

[@laurajacques1600]

​@@DavidB-rx3kmReally

[@vanguardau]

Sting is such a gentleman and I think his tribute to James at the start was one of the most memorable I've ever heard. I enjoyed this redition of this great song and thankyou Sting for introducing us to the Baroque Lute-it shows us what a versatile performer you really are. Thank you for your phenomenal contribution to modern music.

[@Wnharrison921]

I think Sting did an excellent job with the song, AND I think his words were heartfelt and sincere. Kudos!

[@timothyholcomb7211]

A great tribute to a great song writer, with such kind words to a legend, from an amazing talent himself

[@tantraman10]

I agree....it's singing with HEART.....

[@johanstaelens5194]

This song was written by James for Joan.

[@larrycuneo5603]

V bbbbbbbb@@timothyholcomb7211

[@mickeybaker8509]

@@timothyholcomb7211 not his words, James wrote rhat

[@michaelelliott3209]

Mr. Sumner, you sir, are a scholar and a gentleman.

[@SKennedy2009]

Sting is the man and you can tell that he deeply admires James. I think he pulled off an awesome version. As with most covers they are never going to be better than the original. In this case the emotion the performance and setting brought out a sentimental side in Sting. I like it!

[@ginapsaki8746]

This tribute and rendition are absolutely lovely. Sting's voice has gotten even more beautiful with the years, and playing the archlute for JT was delicious

[@kenrisling]

I join Sting in his admiration of both James Taylor, and this song. It is so universal. I sang our kids to sleep with it many, many times. A singalong favorite, with so many harmonic possibilities, it became a staple of campfire music and family band performances. Then, on the day he died, my dad requested I sing to him one last time, and this was the song. My family joined me to reprise it at his funeral a little later. I can no longer imagine life without this song in it.

[@juliavarney9865]

Sweet, gorgeous and soulful. What more can we ask for.

[@timberwolfenstein]

Sting was obviously nervous performing for James Taylor. It's amazing that an artist of Sting's magnitude is still intimidated when performing in front of his peers. I'm not putting Sting down. On the contrary, as a fellow musician, I can totally relate. It's one thing when you perform for a nameless crowd and quite different when in front of other musicians, especially ones that you may have idolized.

[@martingardner9124]

The two men sang this song together.

[@penguinmama88]

lovely lute

[@onefoot7]

Sting is a little fucking punk to a JT

[@anthonellewallace]

Man I love staying I grew up listening to him yeah me a black man listening to sting in the hood that's how powerful his songs world to me so everybody should stop hating on sting....

[@blanketeyblank5309]

Put his voice and style on any song and it 'll be alright with me.

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

This was quite beautiful. I never realized Sting could sing such a sweet melody. He has a wonderful voice. Well done.

[@taffyholvenstot8297]

Oh come on , Fields of Gold is just one example of many.

[@dottiebaker6623]

OMG, Sting will melt your heart with Fields of Gold.

[@edmedlin2936]

I have watched and listened to this many, many times. Every time, when it is finished, I softly clap my hands (here at home) and say something like, good job, sting. Love you too, James. Chapel Hill is my mom's home town.

[@vanguardau]

Thank you Sting for your heart-felt words about James Taylor-my favourite all time artist. I've just read your Autobiography and have come to appreciate you and your music even more. You are both legends of the music world. I can see James and his wife appreciated your kind and gracious words.

[@tulatrumps]

I found nothing wrong with the performance. It felt honest and raw. Loved it. very sincere.

[@Changelingheart]

Yes, I thought it was quite beautiful, really.

[@claireorsino5588]

Sting wow, l grew up with his music, always his own style, then l started listening to songs he wrote for others, for me he is a renaissance man, whose music knows no boundaries, it is his and shares. 🌎 all over the world. He will be one artist that people will know he was here. Bless you.

[@debbev9457]

Beautiful tender rendition by Sting. James obviously enjoyed it.

[@joancorr447]

Beautifully said and sung. Thank you James and Sting.❤

[@datatwo7405]

What a beautiful tribute and what a unique instrument, played by a unique musician to another unique musician. And it is that uniquness which makes them wonderful.

[@dejagrace]

as a musician who plays NO cover exactly as the record... i love this......beautiful, Sting

[@dyosaexmachina1751]

my two favorite singer-songwriters! awesome even after all these years. :) great cover by sting!

[@robertjohnson3855]

Sting is an amazing musician and song writer, I’ve seen 3 of his concerts but regret never seeing him with The Police. Sting and James Taylor are truly Iconic musicians, their music transcends time and will always be loved and appreciated, nothing like much of the garbage we see put out now. There seems to be no creativity in the music world now. Tunes and music are plagiarized and rap filth replaces beautiful lyrics and melodies and “artists” of filth and sexual garbage and disrespect are idolized and deemed geniuses profiting with children paying hundreds to see and hear garbage because there is extremely little talent to turn to . Ethnic minorities claim their filth about sex and murder in the hood is under appreciated due to discrimination when with few exceptions it is because no one wants filth spewed out as music. I mean no disrespect to black or hispanic culture for there is actually some talent and very hard work out there but very few true role models for adolescents to admire who put out meaningful “music”. I love black and hispanic culture but wish they could and would truly put out great music they are capable of. Ive always loved the beat of great latin music like Santana and others and many of the black Funk bands like DazzBand, Rick James etc. where did all the fun Funk music go. Music should evoke love and fun, not anger and filth. Ok I’m draggin’ on, just my opinion, God Bless All . It’ll all come around I hope. Got off track, sorry.

[@rory8585]

Oh Sting we love you - what a wonderful tribute to classic James Taylor.

[@broski3372]

My hat is off to you Sting. A sincere, heartfelt tribute and an excellent performance of JT’s song. Voice was incredible and playing of the Lute was quite well done. Terrific performance!

[@SterlingRe]

Despite everyone beating up on Sting I've heard far worse covers. His kind words about James were obviously heartfelt. Sting's awesome vocal performance seems to be overlooked as well. By definition it was a fine tribute!

[@jorgenfrandsen4484]

Uh, I think Sting is absolutely amazing - singer and songwriter - but this is NOT is good. Sorry - but who cares - Sting is, just GREAT

[@lb3062]

❤

[@RKing-dy1uv]

The tempo is all wrong for this "lullabye", but I loved what Sting had to say about JT in tribute to his virtuosity. Sting is also a virtuoso in a different stream, and I LOVE his music, but this is not his wheelhouse, and this was not a good song choice nor arrangement for him...

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

I had the same feeling watching you for the first time in Sydney, Sting. In fact I watched you in the very same concert hall, James had performed in. He was recovering from a cold the first time I saw him, but was simply magnificent. You had at least five standing ovations. They were two of the best concerts I have ever attended. I just regret I can't be in your lounge rooms when you two get together at home.

[@dadgad68]

He's making the tune his own what JT wants to hear."Fields Of Gold". Both my inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

[@neaituppi7306]

I love Sting's competitive nature. It bothers other people, but when it comes to music, it can be done good. He goes on about how well Jame Taylor's guitar/vocals are, which is all true, and how he couldn't keep up. But then he comes out with a harp guitar, or whatever that is, and nails it.

[@elizadolots11]

Love this! Fantastic tribute, Sting! I am huge fans of both of you! Especially your solo work.

[@renandias7926]

Wonderful tribute, two giant musicians and friends by the way. It was a very sincere playing and singing coming from Sting, and even with the mistakes on the guitar (extremely difficult to play indeed) it was beautiful.

[@lindamcneill4965]

Absolutely fabulous and just brings a tear to your eye to see so much love and kindness and greatness coming together, what a joy

[@ericguillermo3464]

Sting sounded like he was hurrying up for the next gig. He was playing nervously fast. After all is said and done, Sting will always be Sting. One of my all-time heroes.

[@Michael65429]

Can you blame him for being nervous? Put yourself in his shoes, imagine playing a JT song in front of JT!😊

[@j.mcneer4091]

Sting, I think it is very nice ! You are one of the greatest all time singer/songwriters. It hurts me to see people be so mean. jealousy, I think.

[@lauradewhurst2860]

Beautiful opening for James, and your performance, Sting.

[@kirkwatson1442]

Thanks for sharing,we can close our eyes...

[@oliaslives6986]

Jesus, what is with all the Sting-slamming in here? Do all you haters just hate him to begin with? Christ! If he'd fucked up the song, I could at least understand your tirades, but he didn't--he interpreted it to the best of his ability, and he pulled it off, despite being nervous as hell at performing in front of one of his idols...I'd have been shaking in my boots, too! Man, some people.....SMFH.

[@JJN259]

One of my favorites by JT. Sting did a really good cover.

[@cardo1111]

One of mine as well a gem in a vast catalog of classics.

[@mikemclenison8200]

What a graciously humble man Sting is.

[@waveman1981]

that was absoLUTEly beautiful, thank you Sting, To each their ownm and he expressed his honeslty and made it more genuine, real , and sincere. My 2 cent. Magnificent!

[@alfamale1974]

A little known fact is that after this concert Sting performed at a Classical music festival where he attempted to play Beethoven on the banjo.

[@le_th_]

What a beautiful story Sting told about the first time seeing JT. lol Honestly, I genuinely do believe Sting was nervous playing this. He kept speeding up the tempo, and Sting really doesn't mess up very often, or appear nervous on stage, ever.

[@blanketeyblank5309]

Sting shows his appreciation for other artists so honestly. What a special man.

[@davidfoster6170]

This has given me a brand new appreciation for what I had previously known as simply the bass player for the Police. And for the life of me I cannot find a "guitar" like the one he used in this video.

[@p.m.j.schellekens550]

it's an archlute that Sting plays on -- amazing and so respectful to James

[@carolynmoen7648]

a gentleman with an awesome guitar and a sense of humor.

[@keithsparling5537]

What an endorsement of J T's greatness, to be saluted by Sting!!!

[@rodsreel]

Sting sounds looks, sings and plays nervously, it took balls to this performance - respect.

[@65alphonso]

Sting is such a gentleman!

[@edmedlin2936]

No matter how many times I watch this one, I am still moved.

[@living2liveagain1]

True Sting (Police) fans love anything "The Genius" sings. Also if you did not come from James or Sting's Era you could not possibly understand their style or their music. So I will excuse "the haters" for their lack of knowledge. Because OBVIOUSLY that's what they are suffering from.

[@malapertfourohfour2112]

Grow up dude, you're not that special just for your age

[@roslynklippelt5985]

This is a truly heart felt tribute.

[@Chatticathi]

Beautiful cover of one of my favs......

[@klimber10001]

I didn't know what to expect but this was ok... My favorite is certainly the one with his then love Carly Simon.... that is by far the best and most sweet. Thank You Mr. Taylor.

[@bodichair]

I've been a JT fan since high school. I owned a a red Chevy Van. I had a creig 8 track player mounted over the engine shroud. I loved that song and it was for ever girl I ever loved. And to hear Sting play this a a sarod puts the icing on the cake. ✌

[@yellolab09]

Oh geeez...And Just Perfect for a baroque instrument as well. Thank you for this.

[@dymphnasis]

I agree with Buanand, these two men are the dream team and this is one of my favorite lullabies.

[@kimberlystratton7585]

Im crying. Its so beautifully touching to hear other great singers add their own twists on an already beautiful song.

[@blanketeyblank5309]

Love watching Sting performing with other artists...his love for music shines.

[@callenclarke371]

Sting makes every rock star in the world nervous. But JT makes Sting nervous. This video is a treasure, because Sting is screwing up on his instrument. That just doesn't happen.

[@lisaherrera23]

Absolutely Beautiful. Mr.James Taylor has a big smile on his face. So do i.

[@billadams8795]

Great song and covered by another great.

[@mollielee1569]

Never get tired of this song. No matter who sings it. Although I think the version wirh Carole King is my favoriteI!

[@fordwaters8335]

I grew up with James Taylor what a gentle man of deep feeling. You can feel it in his writing's. Love ya fine.

[@thereseember2800]

So tender.. ...an audience reverently still...

[@DanMaxmusic]

Sting: "Hand me a guitar, I'm going on stage now" Backstage person: "No guitars left mate..." Sting: "What's that over there? Gimme that..."

[@3storiesUp]

:D

[@neaituppi7306]

I think he did that deliberate. He admires and paid homage to Jame's finger style guitar playing. But he felt he could up it by playing it flawlessly on a harp guitar.

[@kevinhorton8617]

I like Sting, but It is a humble, lonely tune from a motel room

[@martingardner9124]

He was working on a record with that instrument back then.

[@anthrocultur5116]

It's a Theorbo or Archlute.

[@bobby7771117]

Listen, people can argue forever about this performance, but the vocals were excellent! BobbyK

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

The instrument and the man. Perfect combination.

[@jacquismith3277]

That was a stupendous performance. Thanks, Sting and thanks JT.

[@loredanalongo4734]

Beautiful performance by Sting, missing the voice of a great man like James Taylor. James is IMMENSELY ❤️❤️

[@Honeydew7396]

"Intolerably handsome" describes '70s-era James well. :)

[@doorbell5]

very charming ~ both are soulful hearts

[@annalybsee]

there is so much beauty in the way sting is playing this song not perfectly, I wouldn`t want it sound any other way

[@debbiedonnally910]

Sting did a fantastic job he makes his guitar sing fabulous 💞💞💞💞

[@marinaassanti3415]

Meraviglioso tributo di Sting al grande James Taylor

[@xander55577]

It's good to have many versions....songs should be played over and over by many people each approaching it differently. It keeps music alive and fluid.

[@Brian-sh2gi]

Sting is certainly worth the price of admission.

[@michaelthomas366]

This is great! Thanks for posting it.

[@corrbox2]

Excellent Sting, Bravo!

[@jacquismith3277]

So, so good. ❤

[@lilrolterBigBluesMama]

wow ... this is so beautiful!!

[@okrajoe]

Great cover.

[@valsam0126]

I love this rendition. I want an official recording!!

[@angelsshoes3302]

Yes this is the one exception to my rule of no one should do a JT song but JT. Thank you Sting that was outstanding... it must be because I just searched for it..

[@scottsibley8776]

Just simply Beautiful

[@sarahmead2340]

I listened to James Taylor sing this and it was beautiful - but it was Sting's version that brought me to tears...

[@marinaassanti3415]

Bellissima interpretazione

[@martingardner9124]

I love how he “apologizes” that he’s moved to talk - everyone does. I wonder if he means that he thinks he might go too long.

[@11catbob]

Holy cow! Beautiful.

[@lydiapawlak8564]

I just love Sting! He really brought a whole new level to James "You can close your eyes" This was personal gift to James from Sting whom made this tribute his own...

[@marie-francinelongval107]

WoW! STING on LUTH! AN ANGEL ON EARTH! in song YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES. And his technic is perfect! perfect! perfect! on luth! wow! so nice boy-man! with hyper-sensibility! Marie-Francine LONGVAL, Pays du QUÉBEC, 18 auguts 2017/15h08pm/Raining outdoors now! yesterday was the Paradise with SUN-brother!

[@ByronBrummer]

While there is a superficial resemblance to the baryton, the baryton is a bowed instrument: Arched top, tall arched bridge, etc something like a cello. You'll notice the fingerboard is actually very short, and you can see the first set of tuners half way up the neck. The rest of the length of the neck supports an additional set of "harp" bass strings.

[@dianemackelvey4070]

He made the song his own! All good singers do that on a cover and I liked it very much.

[@duckscli]

Thanks for the share Ron, this was great to watch my friend :)

[@51MontyPython]

Not sure why so many negative comments on here; I thought it was really good.

[@mesnierp]

Sting don't be bashful! You are the new James Taylor, one of the two or tree best magician in this world. I call that CLASS and elegance!!!

[@ilgiarno]

I'm an ordinary Sting: I pick up a mandol-cello-whatever with hundred strings and I sing a James Taylor's song.

[@GeronimoKennel]

Cool hearing it played on that ancient instrument.

[@patriciausa3588]

Beautiful!!❤️🐝🇬🇧

[@robertwarner9921]

Good job by Sting, Sweet baby James, my homeboy

[@francarson9696]

It's a beautiful tribute.

[@egassimbine1474]

Excellent