In the liner notes of "In Time: The Best of R.E.M.", Peter Buck says that one can divide R.E.M.'s career with this song. Before the release of "Losing My Religion", R.E.M. had mostly a cult following, after the release they became one of the biggest rock bands of the 90's.
'Losing My Religion' is a term from the American South that means being at wits' end.
It was the first song with a mandolin to reach #1 since Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" in 1971.
Losing My Religion
R.E.M. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's bigger
Than you and you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper
Of every waking hour
I'm choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this
The hint of the century
Consider this
The slip that brought me
To my knees, failed
Come flailing around?
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Try, cry
Why try?
That was just a dream, just a dream, just a dream
Dream
The lyrics to R.E.M.'s song "Losing My Religion" are open to interpretation, but the common idea is that it is about unrequited love and the fear of revealing one's true feelings, putting oneself in a vulnerable position. The lines "Oh no, I've said too much, I set it up" suggest that the singer has revealed too much to the person they are in love with and may have scared them away. The singer is losing their "religion," meaning they are losing their cool and their composure as they try to keep up with the person they are infatuated with.
The heart of the song is the chorus, where the singer repeats the line "That's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, losing my religion." The metaphor of being in the spotlight represents being exposed and vulnerable, while being in the corner is being isolated or ignored. The phrase "losing my religion" is a southern idiom for losing one's temper or self-control, but in the context of the song, it is more about losing one's grip on reality as they struggle with their feelings.
The second verse adds to the idea of confessions, as the singer is "choosing my confessions, trying to keep an eye on you." They are watching the person they love, hoping for a sign that their feelings are reciprocated. However, the singer knows that they are acting foolishly, like "a hurt lost and blinded fool." The line "What if all these fantasies come flailing around?" suggests the fear of being rejected and facing the reality that they may have been misinterpreting the other person's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, life is bigger
Life is vast and all-encompassing.
It's bigger
Life is more than just ourselves and our individual experiences.
Than you and you are not me
We are all unique individuals with different perspectives.
The lengths that I will go to
The extent of my efforts.
The distance in your eyes
The emotional separation between us.
Oh no, I've said too much
I've revealed more than I intended to.
I set it up
I created the situation that led to my confession.
That's me in the corner
I am feeling isolated and vulnerable.
That's me in the spotlight
I am now exposed and under scrutiny.
Losing my religion
Feeling like I am losing control of my emotions and sense of self.
Trying to keep up with you
Attempting to live up to someone else's expectations or ideals.
And I don't know if I can do it
I am uncertain if I am capable of meeting those expectations.
I haven't said enough
I am holding back some of my true thoughts and feelings.
I thought that I heard you laughing
I believed you were happy and content with me.
I thought that I heard you sing
I believed you were expressing joy and love towards me.
I think I thought I saw you try
I believed you were trying to understand me and our relationship.
Every whisper
Every private thought or feeling.
Of every waking hour
During every moment of my life when I am awake and conscious.
I'm choosing my confessions
I am selecting what to reveal and what to keep hidden.
Like a hurt lost and blinded fool, fool
Feeling foolish and helpless due to emotional pain and confusion.
Consider this
Think about this carefully.
The hint of the century
A very significant clue or suggestion.
The slip that brought me
The mistake that led to my confession.
To my knees, failed
I am overwhelmed and defeated.
What if all these fantasies
What if all of my hopes and dreams are just illusions?
Come flailing around?
Will they just fall apart and bring me more pain?
Dream
A state of mind in which everything is possible and nothing is certain.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: William Thomas Berry, Peter Lawrence Buck, Michael Edward Mills, John Michael Stipe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@silvialumaca7745
Oh life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spot-light
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper, of every waking hour
I'm choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt, lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this the hint of the century
Consider this the slip
That brought me to my knees, failed
What if all these fantasies come
Flailing around
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spot-light
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Try, cry, fly, try
That was just a dream
Just a dream
Just a dream, dream
@SamA-xu9gy
Jesus is just a human being and messenger .
Human being like me and you .
Jesus did not know the unseen,
Jesus did not know the Hour,
Jesus could not do anything on his own,
Jesus was sent by God,
Jesus was praying to God
Jesus is not God or the son of God .
Jesus is a man, mortal .
Islam is the true religion, Islam is the religion of monotheism โค๏ธ
Christianity is a pagan religion
I invite you to Islam, and to pray to the One, True, Living God.
@ridwanfaysal7935
THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH
THE QURAN IS THE BOOK OF ALLAH
SURAH QAF 50:16-45
And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein
When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left.
Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].
And the intoxication of death will bring the truth; that is what you were trying to avoid.
And the Horn will be blown. That is the Day of [carrying out] the threat.
And every soul will come, with it a driver and a witness.
[It will be said], โYou were certainly in unmindfulness of this, and We have removed from you your cover, so your sight, this Day, is sharp.โ
And his companion, [the angel], will say, โThis [record] is what is with me, prepared.โ
[Allah will say], โThrow into Hell every obstinate disbeliever,
Preventer of good, aggressor, and doubter,
Who made [as equal] with Allah another deity; then throw him into the severe punishment.โ
His [devil] companion will say, โOur Lord, I did not make him transgress, but he [himself] was in extreme error.โ
[Allah] will say, โDo not dispute before Me, while I had already presented to you the warning.
The word will not be changed with Me, and never will I be unjust to the servants.โ
On the Day We will say to Hell, โHave you been filled?โ and it will say, โAre there some more,โ
And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far,
[It will be said], โThis is what you were promised โ for every returner [to Allah] and keeper [of His covenant]
Who feared the Most Merciful unseen and came with a heart returning [in repentance].
Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity.โ
They will have whatever they wish therein, and with Us is more.
And how many a generation before them did We destroy who were greater than them in [striking] power and had explored throughout the lands. Is there any place of escape?
Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is present [in mind].
And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness.
So be patient, [O Muhammad], over what they say and exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting,
And [in part] of the night exalt Him and after prostration.
And listen on the Day when the Caller will call out from a place that is near
The Day they will hear the blast [of the Horn] in truth. That is the Day of Emergence [from the graves].
Indeed, it is We who give life and cause death, and to Us is the destination
On the Day the earth breaks away from them [and they emerge] rapidly; that is a gathering easy for Us.
We are most knowing of what they say, and you are not over them a tyrant. But remind by the Qurโan whoever fears My threat.
@sholehmahfudin4408
"Losing My Religion"
Oh life, it's bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper
Of every waking hour
I'm choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt, lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this, the hint of the century
Consider this, the slip
That brought me to my knees, failed
What if all these fantasies come
Flailing around
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Try, cry, why try
That was just a dream
Just a dream
Just a dream, dream
@DavidRodriguez-gk2gz
Oh,Life is bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper
Of every waking hour I'm
Choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt lost and blinded fool,fool
Oh no I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this
The hint of the century
Consider this
The slip that brought me
To my knees failed
What if all these fantasies
Come flailing around
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight, I'm
Losing my religion
Trying to keep up with you
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Try, cry, why try?
That was just a dream
Just a dream, just a dream
Dream
@pinkpixie2
This is my dad's song, he has been diagnosed with alzheimer's since 2015 and he is now non verbal, hardly knows who I am, can't form sentences but we play this for him and he is mouthing some of the words and trying to sing, the power of music ๐
@scud4984
pixie, , its all you can do,, i feel your pain and know this. You are doing all that you can.
@advmartins
Do your best!!
@anan6339
โคโคโคโค
@frizzlefrap
keep doin' what your doin -------- your a good son!
@lianascompany8640
ะะตะฝั ะดัะถะต ะดะฐะปั ัะฒะพะณะพ ะฑะฐััะบะฐ!!!๐ข๐ข๐ข๐ข๐ข
@windsurfdaves
The line โoh no Iโve said too much, I havenโt said enoughโ is brilliant and expresses that conundrum between do I speak up (and upset people), or speak out (and try and change the world). As you get older, you learn to veer towards the latter, as Iโd rather not stay silent whilst others do us harm. Speak up world. In words, actions and in music and itโs message.
@darlapeelman1610
David Stephens THAT line is profoundly powerful...an ex lover just sent me THIS song to listen to... I'm sitting here with tears....ah.. there is love after all.๐ฅฐ
That depends on what you have done in the pastโฆ Maybe is time to rest, read and think and enjoy each day โฆ every hour
@armandohajos9655
@@darlapeelman1610 Dear brother, it really รฎs The end of The world, The sign 666, will be keeping sunday, know what im saying, รฎs not all adventist repent, as I dont say not all catolics or even, now practicant satanist wont redeem, many will fqll from faith, others that were decived,The entire life, will be very greatfull, and will sincerly turn to god! No รฎn รฎs reedemed by his deeds,but by gods grace! Read isaias 55 and 56 and 31! If not tell this to a godfearing, but mislead and decived family or friends. You May save a soul , god works รฎn mysterious ways! One more very important thing, The decive that The soul lives afterlife, its a lie, theres no such thing! Ecl3siast 9:4,5 "The man after death, no longer knows anything, hes wishes hes toughts are all gone,he no longer knows anything happening under The sun,even his name รฎs forgotten" True this idea of afterlife satan decives huge,many ways! For exemple purgatory, depicts god as cruel,no wonder many catolics dont believe รฎn god! Or if theres a purgatory then I can do whatever I want,รฎl bunฤ anyways,;plus confessions I always did, ave maryas I always said, candles liศe by loved ones, imma be ok. ..... wouldnt that be convenient...! But another crazy huge rฤzbit he hits, รฎs trowing poor people, instead of going to god, The only doctor, directly to The one that caused The problem รฎn The first place,under s-o much names, theres s-o called "spirits or energies" , crap theres just demons ,on there work of deciving even more! For exemple: ( The yoga-karma bullshit, tarot, wicca,seance, ouija table, Charlie Charlie,witchraft, horoscop, chaneling .. and s-o on) oh yeah and The first two comandemnts are totaly butchered by catolicism and ortodoxism to: I am youre god, do not have other gods, and do not worship or give prayse to anything and anyone else,do not keep idols, do not forge lokalikes, there shall be no paintings of anything รฎn skyes or on earth :its full(The pope, priests, countless saints, pictures with Mary, angels, opulence ,cruces, dead corpses.. u name it) god bless you and youre loved ones! Remember, its late, god calls us all by name, its oure choice as we have free will, god รฎs not a tiran, satans a liqr thats all! You make 1 step god makes 100, god bless you and youre loved ones!