The Nields is an American folk-rock band that formed in 1991 as a three-pie… Read Full Bio ↴The Nields is an American folk-rock band that formed in 1991 as a three-piece and expanded to a five-piece in 1994. After enjoying moderate success, the band ceased touring in 2001. During the mid-2000s, the band occasionally performed shows, and, from 2006, went on the release a series of albums. The two sisters who form the core of the band also perform as the duo Nerissa & Katryna Nields.

The first incarnation of what would later become the Nields came together in 1987 in McLean, Virginia, when Nerissa Nields met David Jones, a theater student, and the two of them started a band with Nerissa's sister Katryna. David changed his last name to Nields after marrying Nerissa.

1994 proved to be a watershed year for the Nields, with the band changing from a three-piece folk group to a five-piece rock band. The new members of the band were Dave Chalfant (bass), who Katryna had met in college, and Dave Hower (drums), a friend of Dave Chalfant's. Dave Chalfant also produced the band's album released that year, Bob on the Ceiling, which was named for a friend of Katryna's. This album featured a mix of the acoustic material that the Nields had previously specialized in and a more rock-oriented sound that would become their trademark. With their new sound, the Nields received critical acclaim, and quit their day jobs to become full-time musicians.

Their 1995 EP Abigail, named for Katryna and Nerissa's sister, would be the last self-released Nields album. In 1996, they released Gotta Get Over Greta on the independent Razor & Tie record label. The album was re-released in 1997 with three bonus tracks on Guardian, a division of Elektra Records. The group felt that with a major-label deal, they were on the brink of superstardom: they had a considerable grassroots following, and a mailing list that had tens of thousands of names and was growing continuously.

Unfortunately, the group suffered a number of setbacks the next year. Guardian folded, leaving them without a record label, and their tour van (nicknamed Moby) was growing increasingly unreliable. While they needed a new van urgently, their financial situation made it impossible for them to afford one. To raise money for the van, they self-released an album called Mousse (the nickname for Dave Chalfant's sister Andromache) and held a special 'Jam for the Van' concert where they debuted that album. As a result of that concert, the Nields were able to purchase a new van, which they nicknamed Nessie. They were also able to secure a new label, Zoë, a division of Rounder Records. All Nields records released since, except one, have been released on that label. Over the next three years, the Nields released two more records (Play and If You Lived Here You'd Be Home Now), and in 1999 Katryna Nields and Dave Chalfant got married, becoming the second married couple in the band after Nerissa and David Nields.

Although the band enjoyed a moderate degree of success, they remained in the red fiscally due to the high expenses they incurred (salaries for the band members, salaries for their manager, maintaining their van, lodging, etc.). Furthermore, the group was getting older, and people wanted to settle down and start families. The limits of what could been done in a 3-minute pop song also rankled some, who wanted to explore deeper themes. The combination of these factors led to the band's breakup in 2001. Their 2001 album, released that same year, was a two-disc album titled Live From Northampton. Like their 1993 album, it was recorded at the Iron Horse Music Hall, and was self-released by the band. The band ceased in 2001.

During the mid-2000s, the band occasionally performed shows, and, from 2006, went on the release a series of albums.

Mercy House
The Nields Lyrics

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To Mercy House we came
Over and over again
We tell her where we've been
"Do you think you could take us in?"
The answer is always the same
In Mercy House we hide
But just for the sake of our pride
She sews up all the holes

In our older brother's clothes
And tells us it's safe to go outside

Eleos Dojo
Eleos Dojo
Eleos Dojo
Come home, come home, come home come home, Come home
Come home.

At Mercy House we fell
Down to the bottom of her well
She tries to coax us out

She cups her hands and shouts,
"Oh, but think of the stories you will tell!"

Overall Meaning

The Nields's song "Mercy House" is a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggle of seeking refuge and shelter in times of hardship. In the song, the "Mercy House" serves as a metaphor for a place where people can come and hide, seek solace, and feel safe. The lyrics emphasize the repeated visits of the characters, depicting an ongoing struggle that requires constant support to overcome. The plea to be taken in and the consistent response of the caretaker also amplifies the idea that those in need of assistance have no other option but to rely on the kindness and generosity of others. The mention of sewing up the older brother's clothes speaks to the struggle of poverty and how the house provides more than just shelter. It offers a helping hand to those who need it.

The chorus of the song, "Eleos Dojo" is a Greek phrase that roughly translates to "Mercy House." It signifies the importance of mercy and the role that it plays in the concept of the "Mercy House." The chorus serves as a repeated call to come home, to seek solace and refuge, and to return when in need. The reference to a "well" in the second verse continues the metaphorical language used throughout the song. The "well" represents a deep and dark place, the lowest one can go, and the caretaker tries to coax the characters out of it by reminding them of the value of their experiences.

Overall, The Nields's song "Mercy House" is a touching portrayal of the struggle to find a place of safety and acceptance. The lyrics use metaphorical language to convey a deep sense of hopelessness and fear, while also offering a glimmer of hope and positivity in the messages of mercy and the importance of human connection.

Line by Line Meaning

To Mercy House we came
We visited Mercy House repeatedly

Over and over again
We visited many times

We tell her where we've been
We confide in her and recount our experiences

"Do you think you could take us in?"
We ask if she can offer us refuge

The answer is always the same
Her response is consistent

In Mercy House we hide
We seek shelter within Mercy House

But just for the sake of our pride
We hide to protect our dignity

She sews up all the holes
She mends our clothes

In our older brother's clothes
We wear hand-me-downs

And tells us it's safe to go outside
She assures us that it's safe to leave

Eleos Dojo
A repeated phrase with unclear meaning