First Time Hearing R.E.M - Losing My Religion Reaction

[@Justyna_N]

His confession is basically that he has deep love for someone he can’t have, or shouldn’t be with. “ losing my religion” is a term from the south meaning, in part, frustrated or desperate. He’s singing of a situation where you make your feelings known, either deliberately or subconsciously and the inner turmoil of not knowing what could happen between ( in this case) he and his love interest as a result.

[@mickymoist]

Yeah... I was going to say that "losing my religion" is a phrase used in the Bible belt states a lot more than other states.

[@jobacchus4794]

thank you for your thoughtful reply

[@Justyna_N]

@@jobacchus4794 you’re welcome!

[@snoopygonewilder]

I did not know that's what "Losing my religion" meant. I lived in the South for 20 years and I honestly never heard it, but it completely makes sense.

[@joshuastrickland5264]

Yeah...that makes sense...

[@anthonydean1743]

"Every body hurts" is one of me favorite R.E.M songs; tied with this song.

[@Cathidee]

Yes! Everybody hurts is a great song too!

[@kellyrankin8844]

Just my opinion, watching certain live performances kinda robs you of seeing how well done some of these songs were.

[@susannariera]

Also, the MV adds a lot to the song, REM MV are always a must.

[@Grayson-dk7]

100% Agree

[@Zagzeroth]

Unfortunately youtube copyright fucks that up by removing the video if he watches the mv, but he says he also listens to/watches the mv after.

[@Kelvdog1]

Yeah totally. I'm not watching his videos anymore and unsuscribed as every reaction is a live show. Thats ok sometimes but not every time.

[@michael7144]

I was thinking drug addict, somewhat similar I suppose

[@lbh002]

Do you hear the crowd singing along? People LOOOOOOVE this song.

[@B81Jonny]

You for real dude? I’ve listened to this song since I was a kid, and you’ve managed to read more into Stipes’ words better than I ever have. Seriously bravo.

[@hahajaxsontv]

He's a beast

[@roniw333]

I saw them live in 1995, I was 7 months pregnant and my daughter danced in my belly the whole time.

[@lgood4970]

Losing My Religion is Southern slang for losing your cool and going off. In the song, he wants to stay in the background but he loses his temper and ends up in the spotlight. He's afraid he'll say something he can't take back. He knows he should let it go but he wants to tell them what he thinks---but has he said too much or not enough?. The person is distant from him now. He thinks he hears them speak---but did he really?

[@lgood4970]

@callmecatalyst Every place is a trade off. Some areas of the South are very open and welcoming. Some are more in the Bible belt and a bit more rigid. No area of the country is perfect.

[@blue_moon6490]

Exactly! What’s the point now….

[@tyghe_bright]

Yes. And the additional layer of meaning is that he's gay and wasn't publicly out.

[@rickyjessome4359]

Grew up listening to r.e.m! Everybody hurts is a very good song

[@thomasryan6240]

Everytime [the singer] Michael Stipe says "Oh no, I've said too much", that line comes after a line expressing insecurity in the relationship, such that her response would be to validate "the distance in [her] eyes" [et al]. The relationship is falling apart, and he does not want it to. He's losing his religion, choosing his confessions, trying to get her to try, instead of acknowledge the failure, leading to them breaking up. A little silly, yes, but he's insecure, in a bad spot, and losing his composure. Hope that helps. Love your content btw.

[@91GT347]

Thats what I always thought it was. I wasn’t sure if it was, or if it just hit close enough to home to make me see it that way. Lol

[@tyghe_bright]

Not her. He's gay. And his being gay is a big part of the underlying reason he can't say more.

[@91GT347]

@@tyghe_bright They already slept together from so the other person already knows he’s gay. “The slip that brought me to my knees. So someone slipped up, apparently. While theyre already with someone maybe. Damn it. I never really dug into this song. Its not my usual music. Mostly metal. I think it goes deeper than you or I thought. Actually REM is probably too artistic for it to be that simple. Not that I know their stuff. I didnt remember the name of this song. Lol drunk rambling.

[@TheViralInfekT]

"It feels old" ... well, that made me feel old ^^ Great reaction to one of my most favorite song in the world. I hope you enjoyed the studio version too. It is a constant companion for over 30 Years now. I hope you will give "Everybody hurts" and "It’s the End of the World as We Know It" a listen too.

[@michaelaghedo3793]

"consider this the hint of the century" and "I think I thought I saw you smile" great

[@robb9395]

Thanks for doing R.E.M. They are really talented and very introspective.

[@brookehornback1896]

Late 80s he is much older here.This band probably fromed in the 70s.Michael Stipe from Athens Georgia is very unique and had a ton of great songs with great lyrics.Orange Crush,Everybody hurts,this one goes out to the one I love.Its the end of the world as we know it.

[@fennecfanatic5566]

They formed in 1980 and this song came out in 91.

[@brookehornback1896]

@@fennecfanatic5566 thats why I said probably 70s and by 70s I meant 78,79.What was it 1980.yeah I was close enough without knowing.89/90 was my guess at the songs release.An I guessed him as older in this clip it looks more recent.Let me know if thats incorrect.

[@SylvesterTemple]

This is probably my favourite.... more common songs - I adore it; However, having seen you also did We Did'nt Start The Fire, I now have to suggest REM - It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).....

[@0lderSch00l]

What I love about this song is that it's not explicit. The actual confession doesn't matter, it's describing a state of being that we can all relate to. It's about that moment when you realize that you want to say something, maybe even need to say something; but you're afraid of doing it and you find yourself in this agony of indecision and you realize that pretty soon, no matter what you do, you are going to lose the fight and just spill it. This song is in that moment, that instant where you've just said "the thing" and now all eyes are on you, even though you were trying to hide "in the corner" you are now " in the spotlight." love it.

[@bemused9522]

REM is a group that got me through junior high school to college. Literally. Every song is a polaroid in my head. So many great songs . My faves: Low, End song, Swan swan Hummingbird, This one goes out to the one I love, Radio free Europe, Drive, and Me in Honey. Watching the official video may clarify some of your questions. At the college age, you start to question everything you were taught when younger. This song really hit deep at the time it came out, for me at least. REM songs always make you think or touch on something you have felt. I hope you go deeper. Beautiful songs. Beautiful poetry, Beautiful commentary for youth growing up in them and now times.

[@FearDaReaper]

I chose to play everybody hurts at my fathers funeral. So it will always have a special place in my heart. As will REM. Would love a reaction to that. Rip dad

[@personalcheeses8073]

My daughter knows there’s no place for sad songs at my funeral. I want them to 🥳 PARTY 💃

[@violetleaves2025]

It’s about an obsession. Wanting someone. The fantasy of them, hoping they want you back, “but that was just a dream.”

[@GamingWithUncleJon]

35 years after I first heard this song, and it's still beautiful, and I'm still not sure everything that it means.

[@inexplicablyleft2729]

If you're going to try to understand precisely what Michael Stipe was singing about, in any song, then you need to keep in mind what Eddie Vedder had to say when he was inducting R.E.M. into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: "How do you explain the dialog between Michael and the listener? ... Such wisdom in the feeling of these songs ... There are things that I hold and feel very deeply about inside here [touching his heart] that Michael Stipe put in there himself. This all happens without ever being able to understand a f^*king thing he was saying!"

[@noturtypicalgranny6900]

His confession is that he's lost faith in his lover ... 'I think I thought I saw you try, but that was just a dream'

[@jamesellis1972]

One of those rare songs that took the world by storm and defined a summer. I still remember that summer just from hearing the song.

[@rk41gator]

R.E.M's video for this tune is magical. There are levels of meaning and the imagery is wonderful. Well worth finding.

[@inkpenavengerYT]

This has been one of my all-time favorite songs since I heard it on the radio as a kid when it came out... in 1991...

[@jamiebroadbridge4776]

Michael Stipe has often said he wrote this song from the perspective of someone having a huge crush on a person and that person not even noticing them. The term "losing my religion" as said by others is a saying in the area of the states thst the band formed (Athens Georgia) for losing one's temper. Seen this incredible band many times live absolutely phenomenonal. You should react to "Find The River" my favourite song wonderful lyrics a song about passing to the next life.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, MrL - see below: Losing My Religion is Southern slang for losing your cool and going off -- Michael Stipe was incredible - I appreciate your reaction...

[@Rayray-kj9cc]

ONe of my all time favorite songs! Classic!

[@BalthamErathos]

I feel it worth pointing out: lots of songs have iconic beginnings. This is one that has an iconic ending. That trailing off of the mandolin is such a great wrapup to the song.

[@notmyname4851]

“Losing my religion” is an expression about losing one’s self-control, usually to anger. If you think of religion as the thing that creates or maintains a person’s morals and keeps them acting within the bounds of social etiquette, losing it would allow them to act in ways counter to their otherwise held morals. “Oh, life is bigger. It’s bigger than you, and you are not me. The lengths that I would go to, the distance in your eyes. Oh no, I’ve said too much.”- the first hint of anger/mistrust. This is the first confession, his confession of those feelings. “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.” - self-doubt, jealousy, and the first hints of losing self-control to those feelings, another confession. “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.”- watching the object of the song, along with more specific self-doubt and jealousy, and yet another confession of it. “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.” - the first two lines are setting up the hint and slip, which are that he’s fears his own failure and that he might actually be falling to these abhorrent thoughts and behaviors (losing his religion - his self-control, morals, etc. to his anger/jealousy). Of course, that’s just my interpretation of it. Sorry for the long comment. I had some time to kill.

[@glassbutterfly8137]

I loved hearing you wrestle with what this was about, and then reading the comments about southern slang. I always thought of this song as a Vadar lament for no particular reason... 😂

[@Matjo7588dk]

Nothing on the singing or anything with the live version.. But the music video is just super to this song.. they fit so well together. It gives it something more. Also everytime I hear these songs again. from that era... the same thought comes... Music was just better then. This was the music that was on the tv, and in radios. this was the music. Today what is on the radio make you wish you get a commercial soon.

[@darrylhewes2376]

Wow takes me back.. Classic gets used far to often around music.. but for me this is a classic 👍

[@methodkid93]

This is one of my all-time favourite songs. I've always had a hard time expressing myself and so I can really relate to it.

[@susannariera]

For REM reactions I think is always better the MV, their MV are amazing, visually stunning and usually add a lpt to the songs. The MV for this song is a work of art, same with the Everybody Hurts one.

[@cliftonrueb9299]

You might be the best reaction KZbin channel I’ve seen. You hear the music. You don’t just listen to it. Looking for the message in the lyrics AND the music. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@AlanTuringWannabe]

Band: Live. Song: Lightning Crashes please do a reaction to this

[@mamaalaska]

R.E.M 30+ years Michael Stipes the lead singer who lived his life his way, The song is cryptic because he announced himself as “queer“ but when he was asked if he was gay he said no that he was “queer“ which lays in between the gray areas. The song is definitely reflective of his music. In 2011 when the band broke up after 30+ years they left a great catalog behind.

[@mulletmama88]

The official video is one of my favorites

[@louwrensdebeer4183]

His confession is that he has something to say that he cant even admit totally to himself.

[@davehelms1398]

the term "to lose your religon" is a southern phrase meaning, losing your cool or losing control, thus not being a ploite person under stress. Per Michael Snipe, the lead singer, he heard in a restaurant when a waitress was overwhelmed and when asked for something, whenbusy, said, "In a minute honey, I am about to lose my religon", instead of giving them a smile. REM and the B-52's both came out of Athens, GA (UGA) around the same time and have several colabs and influences.

[@ArinKambitsis]

This song has one of the best videos of the 90s.

[@KevlarKoat]

The music video to this song by Tarsem Singh is a must watch

[@jasperr980]

If you're interested in the meaning of the song, there is a great mini documentary on the top 2000 a gogo channel. It's made by public dutch tv. There are multiple great mini documentaries on that channel. They are made every year about some of the Top 2000 songs of all time, as chosen by the listeners of a dutch radio station. The entire top 2000 is then syndicated integrally from christmas day to new years eve, ending with the nr 1 song

[@timerickson7056]

it's about falling in. love so obsessively you chase everything that was important to you away

[@SilvyReacts]

Love this song, brings me back. Also, they do really well in concert, sounds nearly identical to the studio version.

[@TheOnespeedbiker]

The song is about unrequited love. Wanting to tell someone your feelings but being afraid of being rejected. As mentioned "losing my religion" is a southern term about a life changing event, something that causes one to question ones world view.

[@seanhutt4621]

This whole album was amazing I think a lot of people get hung up on the couple of radio songs but take a deeper dive into this album it's literally a masterpiece in songwriting After watching your reaction I wanted to say that one of the things that doesn't come across from a modern viewpoint is that at the Time Michael Stipe was a closeted gay man in the 90s maybe knowing that will help shade your interpretation of this Radio song that's one that you should get to I always enjoyed that track on this album the most

[@TheAjunge]

Totally agree, also murmur is a fantastic album. My former roommate took my cassette tape :(

[@rosereule9564]

Growing up with religious friends the term 'losing my religion' meant angry enough to physically lash out in rage which definitely goes against being a peaceful person. The lyrics of this song has given me more to think about in regards to the saying that I have heard my whole life. I feel less ignorant than 11 minutes ago. Thanks for the upload, Sir!

[@espenvippen]

"Losing my religion” is actually an old southern expression for being at the end of one’s rope, and the moment when politeness gives way to anger

[@paulstevenson6661]

Oh man Boydy... REM have been with me since I was like 14. Incredible band Michael Stipe!

[@paulstevenson6661]

I bloody love that your musical analysis is broad... more please What do you make of Radiohead - Street Spirit (Fade Out) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnStk5-XitCenMU

[@thabudmaster]

I love your analysis of this, you should listen to more REM as they have a lot to say!

[@kacornish1]

The music video is better than the live performance. The video is iconic and really complements the song.

[@rk41gator]

This song is about the dangers of 'saying too much' and how your brain plays tricks with perception. Does he understand what the focus of his attention is really feeling or is it just a dream. Are the signals real or his imagination. My feeling is this is the torture of 'coming out' to a friend in a romantic way and the fear of being rejected. Although it is universal for any 'hidden' feelings for any potential relationship. It is about the fear of rejection. (alternately in the corner; in the spotlight) The allusions to these feelings are magical.

[@subwaygoddess1]

R.E.M. has so many magnificent songs. You should always select live performances of R.E.M. They are better than any studio versions. I would love for you to react to "Walk Unafraid," "Everybody Hurts," and "Get Up," just to start off!

[@jamesoblivion]

There's an alteration in this live version. On the studio track, Michael sings 'Now I've said too much, I haven't said enough.' It's a very introverted turn of phrase. It sums up a lot about being an introvert, especially an introvert nursing a crush. You know exactly what you want to say, but you end up being cryptic, because you play everything too close to the chest, but even that feels like you're saying too much, confessing this deep hidden part of yourself.

[@shoshanaisaac576]

Everybody hurts is a great song, but the video is important to watch. I think you would like "end of the world as we know it" by REM. You.will.need.the.lyrics (unless you want to play it 50 times).

[@collinbeal]

Next song from R.E.M. you should react to is The One I Love. After that, please react to Orange Crush and It's the End of the World as We Know It.

[@NathanCline12-21]

Wow, I haven't listened to orange crush in decades

[@pfcampos7041]

Yes I love these lesser known songs.

[@amyk9175]

I’d go deeper still into REM- Driver 8, Fall On Me, Radio Free Europe, Gardening at Night, Exhuming McCarthy

[@pfcampos7041]

@@amyk9175 YES all great songs!! :)

[@azumalema7742]

Epic to see the transitioning from genre to genre to ... genre Let's keep it going

[@hahajaxsontv]

I always felt that subconsciously this was about Mike coming put of the closet. And the frustration he had while doing it

[@espenvippen]

The official video says a lot. Greetings from Norway.

[@serfillustrated4018]

You should really watch the video.. An amazing timeless song.

[@Darmesis]

Don’t want it on my playlist, but it’s a good song. Heard it waaaaay too many times, so that’s why I’m a little jaded. Great reaction!

[@KoDaMoJo]

"that was just a dream" I feel refers to a time when he was happy - probably with a relationship, orobably in its early stages - but that's gone, and it feels like it was a dream that he now aches for.

[@josephbrown6906]

This song is basically a stalker song. REM wanted do a song like The Police's "Every Step You Take" and this was the results of their efforts to write such a song.

[@tilly9749]

Just subbed. Your intro, soothing voice and expressive face, how could I not...

[@baseballjustin5]

Def I would suggest listening to like the Music Video, or the Stereo version first, somethings are def missed with the live performances, some of them are great, but the studio recording is usually the defacto version, more where the artists wanted it

[@papaschuette]

This song came out in 1991 and got to #4 on the Billboard charts. Awesome song and band.

[@pfcampos7041]

My sisters boyfriend introduced me to their music when I was 13 (85) They quickly became my favorite band. This so g came out around '89 if my memory serves me right.

[@untitled8band]

You need to listen to more R.E.M. Their lyrics are incredible. Try E-Bow The Letter. Beautiful.

[@Dutchlad112]

So happy i subbed, you just keep listening to more of my faves, thank you

[@heidithatswho.2481]

One of my favorite bands. Ever

[@roniw333]

World Leader Pretend is my all time favorite R.E.M. song.

[@NathanCline12-21]

Very underrated song... And fitting for the times

[@Whitesquall123]

REM is a great band, and very under appreciated. Love the review.

[@thabudmaster]

under appreciated? They considered one of the GREATS without doubt

[@Whitesquall123]

@@thabudmaster I agree. And I think they are great, but I think far too people have heard them - hence "under appreciated".

[@personalcheeses8073]

Always, always the same comment. By people who think they are the only ones who appreciate a band. So tedious

[@Whitesquall123]

@@personalcheeses8073 If that's what you understood from my comment, the issue is with you. So narrow-minded.

[@scruffyroses2796]

Losing my Religion is a saying in the south where something is just so good you "lose your religion" over it, similar to it blew me away. Because he is from Ga & how he was raised, he was in conflict from what he was taught & the path he chose to take. That conflict was what gave the line "choosing my confessions". How do I know? I heard him on a radio interview while driving thru Ga. It was news to me too since I'm a NYer!

[@cathy4139]

Recommend "Everybody Hurts"

[@WarriorBuddhist]

I think the song is about loosing ones self in order to fit to an ideal. It could either be romantic or social. Choosing my confessions, in my opinion means deciding what to reveal about my self.

[@divvy2851]

R.E.M everybody hurts

[@oliver7181]

Dave - we're all alone Dave - Clash Ft. Stormzy

[@mistercointreau5247]

Maybe the best Glastonbury headliner set in recent memory.

[@jasonhutcherson6224]

And it's 90s style rock came out in 91.

[@azrieltazzchurch4654]

The video for this is Absolutely Epic!

[@snoopygonewilder]

He honestly looks ready to pass out from exhaustion.

[@e.pluribusunum7916]

I'm not sure what it meant for Michael Stipe but I always saw this song as being about not being able to express your true feelings because of other peoples harmful and destructive POVs. That line, "I think I thought I saw you try" makes me think of every conversation I have had with people that for a moment seem on the brink of realizing that their position is actively harming others only to have them pull back and double down on their original position.

[@mn-wk3ju]

I thought that was a great performance! It sounded like the album version

[@NathanCline12-21]

R.E.M. - it's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)

[@nammis77]

More R.E.M with their music videos. So good. Also some more Red Hot Chili Peppers.

[@crystalthompson6283]

Orange Crush by REM is a phenomenal song

[@anabellahermidamartell9446]

I think this song is about what you experience once you become a public figure, and how your opinions affect others and what they think of you, how people in the public eye have had to shut up their opinions because of the impact they generate, or have regretted when they did

[@mamaflush9945]

Another great country singer "Carlie Rich - Behind Closed Doors" and another song by "R.E.M. Everybody Hurts (official Music Video)" Take care

[@zipperadventures5487]

when he was younger the singing was better but still great song even live and years later

[@jimwillride]

I really respect your trying to sort out the message here. As I'm sure you know by now, REM's lyrics are usually pretty obscure as to their specific meaning. Its high art in my opinion, not to obfuscate, but to let the art speak on its own, like the French symbolists. Having said that, this song, IMAO, marked the beginning of a slightly less obscure and a bit more poppy period for the band. Hence, the repetitiveness that you point out. But to me the lyric is about someone who has had some change of heart, but is yet to act on it. Said too much, to me means I've stated my new reality, and now I may be expected to live it. Even with the right changes, fear is always there. Maybe that is getting at it a bit. Maybe you arrived at something similar, don't know since I haven't quite finished it! Cheers man! Love your channel!

[@jimwillride]

And my recommendation would be Oddfellows Local 151, another great, older, REM song. Thanks!

[@PeanutButter-uw6jw]

I don't know if you have but you should listen to "Hook" by the Blues Travelers

[@robertocaesar9870]

React to Drive by REM, also Man on the Moon, Orange Crush, fantastic band

[@jaron1000x]

Next one by REM would be everybody hurts

[@williammckay8516]

I read the comments, being from Australia there is some cultural subtext missing... but at the risk of some trolling.... I'd suggest, - as being in my 20's during this period - a lot of males were inhibited about expressing themselves at this time. And possibly still are. I'd be happy to hear feedback if anyone can be bothered. Manners please.

[@christophermatera1425]

Loyd Please check out Bismark by the group Sabaton. I highly recommend the music video for the song and put the close captions on because the accent is a bit thick and can be difficult to understand. It is a history story and they are heavy metal. I promise, you won't be disappointed

[@6666Imperator]

first time I watch this live version. His face looks a bit like that of John Malkovich there :D for me it can be both either someone longing to confess to his love and get into a relationship and at the same time a married person maybe close to or after divorce lamenting about the mistakes the couple did that caused it.

[@MaggiesMom82]

His confession is that he is gay/ bi. This song came out in 91. These feelings weren’t socially accepted at the time. He wants to be who he is but knows he won’t be accepted. The losing my religion portion is a term in the south for being frustrated, however, he plays on this as also his feelings aren’t biblically accepted. He kept his feelings in for 41 years before he felt comfortable saying it though people speculated he was gay/ bi for a long time. The just a dream part is him thinking about coming out and what he would say but he can’t.

[@erkkiboy]

This song is amazing

[@charlietipton8502]

Good analysis. It is truly too cryptic. REM was so transforming. The group single-handedly killed rock music.