R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” Lyrics Meaning
The foundation of this song is the singer being in love with someone who does not feel the same about him. In fact it can even be concluded that the object of his affection is snubbing him.
It can also be argued that she may not particularly know he exists. However, that is unlikely due to the singer getting excited by the slightest signs she feels the same way about him, alluding to the idea that he at least had the wherewithal to express himself. But overall, he appears as a wreck. Or put into his own words, he is “losing (his) religion” in pursuit of this lady. This can be indicative of him selling his soul, as in putting this lady before everything else in his life, which apparently he has done.
However, what it really alludes to is the sense of shame he feels due to knowingly doing something as foolish as giving his whole heart to a woman who isn’t even his. Indeed he compares himself to “a hurt, lost and blinded fool”. So the “religion” he has lost is not in the sense of losing a spiritual-belief system. Rather it is his very way of life, his dignity, that has been pushed to the side in the name of catching the eye of this special lady. Or put succinctly, the singer is obsessed with her.
Losing My Religion” has nothing to do with Religion!
Many people think this song is about religion not only due to its title but also the fact that its highly-acclaimed music video utilized religious imagery. In fact some Catholics groups became so disturbed by the video that they protested against it. However, Michael Stipe assures us that the song “has nothing” to do with religion.
Grammy Awards
This is perhaps the most-successful of all R.E.M. songs. For instance it won two Grammys in 1992. One was for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and another for Best Short Form Music Video.
In fact the music video, directed by Tarsem Singh and inspired by a 1955 book entitled “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, has received quite a few accolades itself and is credited with helping “Losing My Religion” blow up. It scored six victories at the 1991 MTV Video Awards, including the following:
- Video of the Year
- Best Editing
- Best Group Video
- Breakthrough Video
- Best Art Direction
- Best Direction
Even more Accolades!
In addition to the above, the track also picked multiple other accolades/honors. For instance, on its 2011 list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, “Losing My Religion” was placed by Rolling Stone at number 170. VH1 placed it within its top 10 (number 9) on its compilation of “Top 100 Songs of the ‘90s”. Furthermore, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has included it on its list of “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”.
Notable Live Performance
In 1991, R.E.M. performed this song, with assistance from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The performance was in celebration of the 10th anniversary of MTV.
Usage in TV Series
The song has been featured on quite a few popular television series, including “Beverly Hills, 90210” (1991), “Smallville” (2003), “Glee” (2010) and “Parks and Recreation” (2013). The rendition of the “Losing My Religion” on “Glee” actually charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Birth of “Losing My Religion”
This song originated from a riff Peter Buck (R.E.M.’s guitarist), created one day while attempting to learn how to play the mandolin. The song (when it was still a demo) was first titled “Sugar Cane”.
When did R.E.M. release “Losing My Religion”?
R.E.M. released this classic on 19 February 1991 as the lead single from their seventh studio album, Out of Time. In addition to Out of Time, the song has also appeared in many other R.E.M. albums such as the following:
- 2003’s In Time – The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003
- 2011’s Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage
Due to its “unconventional” sound R.E.M.’s label didn’t initially approve of R.E.M.’s decision to release it as a lead single. However, they ultimately relented. The song eventually went on to become one of the band’s most-celebrated song. Not even R.E.M.’s global hit “Everybody Hurts” achieved the level of success this track achieved!
Very disappointed in learning what the lyrics mean. Thought originally it was questioning all three traditions and beliefs you grew up with. And that eas cool. But to learn its it’s a southern expression of falling head over heels, that’s no big deal at all. What is I think I thought I saw you try
Listen to man and the moon and then to this one.
It is quite apparent then that the author of the lyrics is expressing his doubts about the nature of things, the truth and the believes.
But, that, the author of the lyrics can never admit openly (I said too much.,.)
One problem the writer of the song has maintained that it is not about faith or a system of belief. It is based upon a southern expression (of which I’m familiar growing up with), “I’m about to lose my Religion!” or “I’m about to lose my Christianity!” Which means I’m so angry and frustrated I’m going to act in a way and say things (profanities usually) that will make me look like I’m not religious, Christian, or what have you. The song can be interpreted many ways and applied to any situation where you feel overwhelmed or about to lose it and act in an unbecoming way that may bring damage to the relationship or situation you fixed or brought to reality. Michael Stipe has stated it is about obsession, unrequited love, and having a big crush.