- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-0.mp3
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-0.mp4
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-I.mp3
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-I.mp4
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-II.mp3
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-II.mp4
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-Reggae-Interlude.mp3
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-Reggae.mp3
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-Reggae.mp4
- Sunshine-in-My-Stomach-intro.mp3
[Intro]
Peter said, “I got sunshine in my stomach
Like I just rocked my baby to sleep”
(Put to bed)… I got sunshine in my stomach
Deep (Deep into sleep)
[Verse 1]
The axis is in control
Fulfilling the role
Connecting what I see
Deep within me
[Chorus]
I got sunshine in my stomach
Like I just met the love of my life
… sunshine in my stomach
Sure to make a fine wife
[Bridge]
Sensational
(Emotional)
Visual cue
(From you)
Attraction
(Sensation)
[Verse 2]
Not feeling quite right
It’s love at first sight
Nervous system trigger
Figure do to figure
[Chorus]
I got sunshine in my stomach
Like I just met the love of my life
… sunshine in my stomach
Sure to make a fine wife
[Bridge]
Sensational
(Emotional)
Visual cue
(From you)
Attraction
(Sensation)
[Chorus]
I got sunshine in my stomach
Like I just met the love of my life
… sunshine in my stomach
Sure to make a fine wife
[Outro]
I got sunshine in my stomach
Like I just met the love of my life
ABOUT THE SONG
The song begins with the first two lines from “In the Cage,” a track on Genesis’ album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The lyrics, written and sung by Peter Gabriel, set the tone. This song, however, explores the physical reaction in your stomach often associated with “love at first sight.”
The physical reaction associated with “love at first sight” involves a complex interplay between the gut-brain axis, hormones, and the nervous system. Here’s how it unfolds:
1. Activation of the Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis is the bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, involving the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, and various hormones. During moments of intense emotional experiences, like “love at first sight,” this connection is highly active.
- Butterflies/Sunshine in the Stomach:
- The “butterflies” sensation comes from the autonomic nervous system. When you feel a strong emotional reaction, such as attraction or excitement, your sympathetic nervous system triggers a fight-or-flight response.
- Blood flow is redirected away from the digestive system to muscles and vital organs, causing the fluttering or tight sensation in the stomach.
2. Hormonal Surge
“Love at first sight” initiates a cascade of neurochemical reactions:
- Dopamine:
- This “feel-good” neurotransmitter is released in the brain’s reward center, creating feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
- Dopamine’s effects on the gut can alter motility, contributing to the physical sensation of excitement.
- Adrenaline and Norepinephrine:
- These stress hormones heighten alertness, increase heart rate, and contribute to the stomach fluttering as part of the body’s preparation for action.
- Oxytocin:
- Known as the “love hormone,” oxytocin plays a role in emotional bonding and may also influence the gut-brain interaction by promoting relaxation and positive feelings.
3. Emotional and Cognitive Processing
The insula and the amygdala, areas in the brain associated with emotion and gut sensation, process the experience of attraction. This connection makes “gut feelings” particularly vivid during emotional events like “love at first sight.”
4. Influence of the Gut Microbiota
The gut microbiota can also influence emotions through the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin (about 90% of which is produced in the gut). A well-balanced microbiome may amplify positive emotions and sensations linked to romantic attraction.
Summary of the Gut-Brain Response
When you experience “love at first sight”:
- Your brain processes the emotional and visual cues of attraction.
- The sympathetic nervous system triggers a visceral response, creating the sensation of “sunshine.”
- Hormones like dopamine, adrenaline, and oxytocin amplify feelings of excitement and connection.
- The gut-brain axis reinforces the physical sensation in the stomach.