R.E.M Losing My Religion Song Reaction

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[@dusman7]

The phrase losing my religion is a southern expression. It means losing ones temper and being at the end of your rope. I’ve always seen the song as an expression of the difficulty of communication in a relationship and the insecurities that come along with that.

[@linzyaz920]

Thank you for that explanation. I have known and loved REM for years but I never knew the true meaning behind this song.

[@calebwildes1524]

Yep I have said that phrase several times because I have a very short fuse and I snap on people alot

[@melissakrueger461]

I've tried to figure that out for years. Thanks for explaining what " losing my religion" means.

[@laurahuffstetler8593]

@@linzyaz920 Yes, as a southern woman I have said many times, "Ya'll gonna make me lose my religion!"

[@jjkcharlie]

Peter Buck on the Richenbacher.

[@kerrymscm5548]

This song makes me want to close my eyes and dance around like I'm the only person in the world. Love Love Love

[@kevinfenton7043]

I always do

[@paulmcdonald9343]

Well I'd do the same, so that's 2,anyone else? 💐🎶🕺💃

[@lauriebutler4115]

Me too!

[@merrillj229]

Need to watch the "official video" for this one.

[@MICHAELSMITH-ys8ek]

As with most REM, live versions are the best.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Definitely

[@kellylaflash1016]

Another trailblazer - R.E.M. really helped usher in mainstream acceptance of the alternative music sound in the early/mid 90's.

[@slingoelvis]

Michael Sipe, who wrote and sung the song, has said the song is about unrequited love.

[@lukacalov1988]

Stipe*

[@troyalcorn1184]

I agree. It is about being conflicted because you pay attention to know things yet you feel dirty for knowing those things. Anyone that ever liked someone probably understands what I said. You feel conflicted because you want to share your knowledge of knowing, yet, you don't want to share because you are a creep if it isn't wanted by the one you like.

[@tonybennett4159]

It makes a whole lot of sense when viewed in this light.

[@sharonmuzik]

exactly!

[@jamesallen5591]

That's what I've always taken from it.

[@lauracosby7382]

Yes!! My favorite song by REM!!

[@stevenshelley9345]

Mime to Laura

[@cabbagepresley5955]

Weren't a lot of songs (if any) in the top ten in the early 90's that were mandolin driven. That song stood out so much at the time. Great band.

[@barbarachieppo8290]

I agree

[@mythdefied9070]

That's what's driving the melody? I've wondered for years. I suppose I could've just listened closer, duh.

[@TheUltimateLauren]

One of my favorite songs ever. Love it. Brings back a lot of memories.

[@TheUltimateLauren]

I wish you liked it! Lol

[@JanetLynnJJ]

When interviewed the lead singer said:. The history of the meaning of "losing ones religion" is a southern slang phrase, meaning at ones end of rope or losing temper. He said the song was written as a description of the expression of love itself. So... If you listen again... It's about wanting something, going through something, possibly losing or watching yourself lose... Someone, a relationship... Because of your shortcomings... Or not being able to cope well with it... Still yet hoping, wishing.

[@vickiboy2250]

Interesting. I'm a 52 yr old Southerner and have never heard that phrase. I have always liked the music to the song but not the lyrics. Even after your explaining it, I'm still not getting it. But that's the beauty of all different music...while it is confusing to some, to some it's deep & meaningful. Appreciate the explanation, so I least I have a little understanding. Thanks!

[@cdemp4795]

Hi there. I just discovered and am enjoying your reaction videos! I'm a big fan of R.E.M.'s music and wanted to let you know that with R.E.M. it's more about the music and his voice. Sometimes the lyrics have a deep meaning but at other times they don't. Michael Stipe even said that once in an interview. One of my favorites by them is "Begin the Begin" and some of the lyrics are nonsensical, but it's still a great song. Hope you keep listening to the group because their sound is very unique, and they've inspired a lot of musicians. Thanks again for your reaction videos. They're fun to watch!

[@kevinthetruckdriver353]

*Some other R.E.M. songs:* 1) *It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)* - no deep messages but an earlier R.E.M. song. 2) *Man On the Moon* - came out around the time *"Everybody Hurts"* did. Song was released long before the movie of #3. 3) *The Great Beyond* - a sequel song to *Man On the Moon* which was taken from the movie about comedian Andy Kaufman (Jim Carrey) called Man On the Moon.

[@WizardPandora]

He's done Everybody Hurts

[@kevinthetruckdriver353]

@@WizardPandora - I know. He said that in this video. R.E.M. had 3 periods in their heyday. 1) IRS years when they were a club band. Best music was here. 2) Warner years when they had the hits & started playing in arena's. 3) Became a trio.

[@SpookyMomma918]

The phrase "losing my religion" is an expression from the southern region of the United States that means losing one's temper or civility, or "being at the end of one's rope."

[@nielnielsen4822]

The song about unrequited love and having to give it up

[@DragonSneeze]

Kinda wished you had watched the video, it's trippy.

[@michaelserby7697]

DragonSneeze 💙👽 their video very trippy.It was banned in England for awhile -said it was homo-erotic ? ! 😮 👾 ☄🔥❔

[@ThePinkDragon]

I think he watched it but couldn't show it here

[@you2449]

Yeah, copyright restrictions. But he's watching the video, hence the disturbed expression.

[@thatsthat2612]

@@michaelserby7697 i don't think it was, i think some people wanted it banned because of the religious deities shown or something but i don't think it was banned. I could be wrong though

[@barbarachieppo8290]

The video is very beautiful to me Like a dream sequence

[@paulagwhyte1720]

Much better with the video! I love REM! The song is about unrequited love. He's trying to express that he loves someone who may not love him back. In fact he's pretty sure they don't and he's wondering if he has the nerve to tell that person. He's afraid to risk it all. He says, "Consider this, consider this the hint of the century, consider this the slip that brought me to my knees, pale. What if all these fantasies come flailing around and now I've said too much. I thought that I heard you laughing...." He's telling that he is scared of what the person thinks that he's in love with. It's so good. And if you've ever felt that way, you'll know.

[@Melomane3]

I like your reactions lol as soon as you like something you scratch the back of your head smiling you make me delirious seriously🤣🤣😁

[@angiefountain1208]

R.E.M ......... Everybody Hurts, really great song, pulls at those heart strings 😍

[@Toilbaby]

My boys were coming of age; early teens. Developing their taste in music. While cooking dinner most nights they’d call me upstairs to listen/watch a video on MTV. Thank God I followed my instinct and went EVERY time. Music has a magic that can bond people. I loved most of what both shared yet more importantly thru listening with them they opened up about their lives. Win/win. Thru my boys I became a fan of many 90’s bands that I’ve seen in concert. Same with their sister who was born 13 yrs later. She opened me up to rap. Who knew. 💁🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

[@brucer2152]

I love this song. But I do also love 'You are the Everything" and "Swan, swan, H". Both GREAT REM songs.

[@jeraldbennett9289]

That's me on the corner...That's me at the stop light....losing my transmission

[@Mikael_Puusaari]

remember when it was released, think it was -96 or -97, just arrived at a party and on the front porch a friend was playing guitar and singing this so I had to get a beer and sit down, was mesmerized, such a beautiful song

[@Gboz90]

It was 1991. A lot earlier.

[@barbarachieppo8290]

Same for me Also, the song 'Yellow' by Coldplay stopped me in my tracks first time I heard it

[@JCourts2k23]

You should take a listen to R.E.M “Everybody Hurts”

[@WizardPandora]

He already has, even said he has in the intro

[@jackijean8805]

hemiram2k5 he already did

[@JonCombo]

You really should watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH2nqXmAorybn7s , this video. Starts at 0:00

[@Julian-to7ro]

If you listen to the lyrics, it is about a relationship or a friendship that is in trouble. Has nothing to do with religion at all😊If you want a song about religon, try "Blasphemous Rumours" by Depeche Mode😊About a girl who wanna kill herself, survives, then later finding to Jesus and have a good life but get's killed by a car.

[@nielnielsen4822]

The song about unrequited love and having to give it up.

[@jessicas6586]

FABULOUS song. There is so much meaning to this song. Just open YOUR mind

[@terrorzilla]

I had a friend in college who was a big REM fan. Seemed like half the hall bought Automatic For The People (the next album). Their music will always remind me of that time. Wish I could live that period over again.

[@merrileekeshiro5420]

This is one of those songs that has so many elements to it and you can't help but clap and sing to it.

[@mikehunt4524]

In interviews Michael Stipe said the song is about unrequited love. David D nailed the meaning of the title.

[@sandyleewhite]

What I love about songs like this, is the definition of the story, is up to the listener 💖💖💖

[@matthewshimwell7642]

this is my era. no internet, no social media

[@mdooms76]

This song is about a love he has for someone that is not returned or acknowledged. "Unrequited love" as he explains it. The song is highly metaphoric. Helps if you watch the lyrical video too.

[@themaven2017]

I can't believe this song came out in 1991 - I swear I first heard them sing it in the 80s. This was really one of the first songs/bands of the alternative music scene. I also always think of Natalie Merchant / 10,000 Maniacs - they both came to my awareness at the same time. Check out These Are Days - the whole album Our Time in Eden was amazing.

[@uratrick]

I'm really enjoying your channel and you're message.

[@Cooljoe872]

The meaning is love. This is the greatest love song ever hands down. He loves her so much he would sacrifice it all (his religion) for her. He sees and hers her everywhere he goes (thought that i heard you laughing). Ultimatley though he is afraid to express his love because he couldnt bare the pain if not returned. Thus the line about almost letting it slip, the hint of the century

[@GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge]

R.E.M. is just an incredible band...didn’t like them at first. Learned to love them!

[@TheKck74]

He was singing about his fame. As the spotlight shone on him, he felt godlike in front of the fans. They sang along to songs he wrote, he was in the corner, singing in the spotlight, but could'nt keep up.

[@benw9949]

The music video for the song is a notable thing from the 80's, and R.E.M.'s videos tend to be artsy, with something more going on than just the surface. -- R.E.M.'s song and video, "New Test Leper" is about an actual guest spot on the David Letterman Show which really got to Michael Stipe's temper.

[@underthetrees4780]

I always interpreted this song as extreme grief, so extreme it shakes your faith. Something like a loved one fighting cancer, that's where you say too much and not enough, etc. Great song regardless.

[@adamdonovan4071]

Michael Stipe grew up in Georgia. this song is about him discovering his identity as a gay man, and his struggles with that. "losing my religion" is an expression that means frustrated and up against a wall, but I think here it is a double entendre alluding to both this meaning of the expression and his literal struggle with his identity and loss of faith due to religious prohibitions on who he is. He is a really powerful songwriter, and has an extremely expressive voice. the REM song nightswimming is really beautiful, and I think you might enjoy.

[@jennifersiewert2447]

I love love love REM, but it’s mostly nostalgic for me. I was in 8th or 9th grade when I first heard this song and it was unlike anything I had ever heard before then. I dug into their older stuff and then followed them through the early 2000’s. Michael Stipe is still a fascinating person to me, and the other band members are so grounded and humble. Interesting to see you hear them for the first time and try to figure them out. They were pioneers of the alternative music genre.

[@Mr22thou]

Michael Stipes lyrics have always been on the obscure side. I never would have understood it without the explanation that the title is an old southern phrase for loosing ones cool.

[@caretaker158]

Love REM.... especially "Everybody Hurts"

[@jeanharris2408]

Yes, I remember hearing this for the first time on my university's NPR station...

[@wearinganapron]

This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head, just that one phrase that you can understand, but it whangs on and on and on and your ears go numb. I never have figured out what it's about, in all the years I've been hearing it. I guess it falls in the category of an "anguish-expressing" song. ; ) I am glad to read the other members' comments about the slang meaning to "lose your temper." I had not heard that.

[@spudboy2865]

Hey Tye, I really enjoy your reaction vids. Please check out Blinded By The Light by Manfred Mann's Earth Band (the studio version is best). A great classic rock tune from the 70's. Written by Springsteen but Manfred owned it...

[@petenielsen4119]

The song helped launch alternative rock in the 90s

[@risenfromthepyre]

Still remember getting REM's "Reckoning" on cassette tape for Christmas in 1984. Still my favorite REM album.

[@kjd7351]

I had the same issues until I researched it. Even though for awhile I didn't understand it, I enjoyed listening to this. Mandolin reminds me of Greek music I listened to as a child. I used fall asleep to Best of REM album in the Philippines. I left there about a month prior to volcano erupting. Two other songs remind me of my time there. Iron Man by Sir-Mix-A-Lot. There are several versions of this song. The other song was Come on Everybody by Jive Bunny. Mix that starts out with Hawaii 5-0 theme. There probably are others.

[@donnameckel9035]

Listen to orange crush by R.E.M. :)

[@OCRay1]

Wow, this song really brings me back to junior high. Really miss those days

[@mikezinner5070]

It's a song to me that reminds me of a recurring thought. Someone with an overactive mind who's thinking about something they can't really channel but the thought keeps coming up. That's my take. Or if you're stressed and your trying to turn key on an experience you been through but your mind comes back to it.

[@cathyhetzel5944]

Losing my religion is a southern expression meaning losing my mind!

[@JKM395]

I was first exposed to REM on UCF college radio They are an incredibly deep, interesting and unique band. I'd absolutely encourge you to listen to more from them.

[@adamdonovan4071]

how the The decemberists, Mariners revenge song, we both go down together and O Valencia are all awesome ballads with great stories you may enjoy. I recommend the music videos for Mariners and O valencia because they really explain what the songs are about...we both go down together is a pretty accessible story without a video primer. new to your channel, but loving it.

[@GooniesNeverSayDie1980]

Michael Stipe had planned a collaboration with friend Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana, in 1994, partly in an attempt to lure Cobain away from his home and his drug addiction. However, they did not manage to compose or record anything before Cobain's suicide. Stipe was chosen as the godfather of Cobain and Courtney Love's daughter, Frances Bean Cobain. R.E.M. recorded the song "Let Me In" from the 1994 album Monster in tribute to Cobain.

[@deuce4249]

He thought he knew someone important to him and realizes he never knew them at all.

[@sheilapascarella]

I love seeing peoples reaction to songs for the first time that I love.....awesome!!!

[@dianeisley6675]

Love REM Di from Australia enjoying your channel, love you to listen to some Aussie music, would suggest When the war is Over -Cold Chisel, great song, very moving.

[@rickyluna2877]

Holding back the years by Simply Red

[@rhondaquigley6332]

Ricky Luna I love for your babies. 🖤

[@DarianCaplinger]

ABSOLUTELY!!! A MUST LISTEN TO!

[@personalcheeses8073]

Ricky Luna NO😱

[@DarianCaplinger]

@@personalcheeses8073 Other than the fact the first time I heard it, I felt dark and empty and guilty for not making the most of my childhood (I was a teen when it came out), why not?

[@fishordie1992]

That's a GREAT song!

[@jayholley4894]

REM Orange crush

[@unrulyjulie4382]

Good luck Ty! I was never able to figure it out.

[@JCourts2k23]

Please do Roy Orbinson only the lonely

[@TheNo1BandDad]

One of my favorite Orbison songs.

[@JCourts2k23]

I’m only 37, but have always loved Roy, and this is one my favorites too.

[@jjkcharlie]

Yes. And, Crying. And, Purty Woman.

[@garyscarlett5471]

Black and White night was a great show the talent there was Outrageous .

[@gavhoneyman1502]

In Dreams is my favourite.

[@moniquenunnumogensen8210]

Love this song 🙌🏼 heard it growing up

[@peppernagre3126]

Odd fellows local 151 - is a great one by R E M

[@kilgoretrout3966]

i have a pretty good theory on this song. i have to turn in early tonight, but i do think i am right, knowing how Michael thinks about things, and ways he uses the language and certain metaphors in songs as well as conversationally (read nothing into that). i will post that theory tomorrow morning

[@erinwrhel]

One of my favorite songs. Was in 9th grade when this came out.

[@JCourts2k23]

Great song, always loved this one

[@carolynjanesutton4932]

Michael Stipe's voice is so beautiful.

[@Salieri21]

I think the song is about losing a loved one after trying every desperate trick to keep the relationship going. Cause when he stays silent the distance between them grow and when he talks it leads to arguments.

[@jjf1630]

thought it was great! Loved the reaction, Ty!

[@billbodger4723]

Look for the the video for this ,it’s like a renaissance painting coming to life worth a look

[@hungfao]

REM is known for its obscure lyrics. Ultimately it can be whatever you want it to be, but the singer has made a statement of what it is about, but I'm not sure knowing will be much help. Still, great song, IMO.

[@SpaceCattttt]

Well, whatever it's about, I just think it's impressive that it's possible to write such a catchy song, using more or less only 5 notes.

[@lgeyser1]

Ty, look up the lyrics online and follow them as you listen to the song.

[@hobbitpeddler4267]

R.E.M. is my absolute favorite band! My mom would play their albums ever since I was a baby. Michael Stipe was the first famous person I knew that was gay and kinda became a role model for me.

[@jennywalsh8560]

Wish you had the actual video,for better understanding,when I lived in Mississippi this was a phrase equivalent to I am gonna lose it on you. Trying to keep it together,not losing his mind. I say “you’re gonna fool around and make me lose my wonderful disposition “.

[@charlieclark2609]

It gets a little easier to understand the message if you see the video. Its one of my favorite songs ever.

[@mikekelly6023]

Hey bro keep it up im on board to watch ya cheers from your Canadian cousin

[@Kinnakeeter]

Losing My Religion is a southern phrase that means you are losing your temper. For me the song is about the trappings of fame and fortune: "That's me in the corner. That's me in the spotlight losing my religion."

[@BabyVapor]

Like a lot of your viewers have said this is a term used for losing one's temper. I believe this is one of the songs written during the time when everybody was worried about the lead singers sexuality they were constantly trying to pry into his life. He was one of the Great Men at working for social justice causes. The opening part of the song about life being bigger than you is basically been saying that there was a lot more things people could worry about then these four men who created this band.That's me in the corner that's me in the spotlight Losing My Religion basically was meaning no matter where he went whether he was off by himself the press and Paparazzi was always after him or if he was in public spotlight he couldn't get away from them. Just like every great artist has a period Of time they go through where people will just not leave them alone. The other part about that was just a dream I Believe speaks to the fact that everything was such a pressured time was he dreaming this wasn't reality was it invading his dreams he just could not get away from it.

[@jamesallen5591]

It's about unrequited love. We've all been there.

[@naturemom57]

Honestly I’m pretty sure most people don’t know what they are talking about in this song but it is a catchy tune.

[@rebeccagoodin6931]

ya ever cant sleep at night cause ur mind is running? dude is depressed. lost someone. ready to give up on life. living a nighmare. expressing how he feels

[@CynHatmaker]

This came out right after I graduated HS. My friends & I think it meant losing your temper & having anger issues.

[@biglebowski923]

TIL that "Losing my religion" is an old phrase from the Southern USA meaning someone's about to lose their temper or reach the end of their rope.

[@cheriblack5658]

This was my personal theme song when I was in therapy in the 90's

[@jonforksin1620]

the wrong child or anything off the album green by them is amazing

[@jenlei14]

It’s about losing faith, faith in all things

[@jerryj8397]

Ty! Watch the live version @ Perfect Square, 2004, live. "Also Everybody Hurts" live! J. James "The Ancient Rocker:"

[@brennanbass634]

React to Marshal Tucker Band "Can't You See"

[@jamesmcnaughton9575]

I 2nd that notion......there are some excellent live clips of this on utube.....arguably my favourite song

[@rcheath4258]

Brennan Bass best Southern rock band even if it was because they were unique. One of favorite songs is Heard it In a Love Song

[@dennisoehlkers585]

Next one - "Shatter Me" by Lindsey Sterling

[@devinluoto873]

One of the biggest 90s songs

[@caseycompton7141]

Old Southern term. This was about Michael Stipe's coming out.

[@supercheese905]

The 90’s. What a decade.

[@bigal7561]

I know who you are and I like who you are. Done. Keep it up buddy

[@pwood2295]

Hey Ty. I think you might enjoy The Bellamy Brothers You Ain't Just Whistling Dixie.

[@pwood2295]

This was his 'coming out' song. I listened to an interview with him and he was expressing reactions to him finally admitting he's gay.

[@Tribblepuppy]

I think you kinda pre-judged the song by the title, and were unable to enjoy the music. The song had nothing to do with religion, but is a southern expression. Try watching the official video. Unfortunately it is too late for you to enjoy it. Try Everybody Hurts.

[@heathjones9218]

I've always took the song as the aspect of a child. trying his best to get his father's attention and to get his father to be proud of him. But his father was always too busy and angry. so he's just running around trying to keep up to impress his father like a hurt lost and blinding fool as he says in the song. In the term losing my religion". Is an old metaphor for getting angry or upset. and that's me in the corner that's me in the spotlight kind of tells how the kids life was even when he's in the dark or in the light is Father don't seem to pay attention or even recognize that he's there when always trying to do is get attention. That's just my take and how I see the song hope it helps.

[@margaretstutts4362]

He’s losing his mind about a relationship he’s in. He’s saying how difficult it is. And that it was all a dream.

[@wisdom33-i1n]

I wish you had seen the official video of the song. It's fascinating to watch.

[@lukacalov1988]

This song is top 10 rock songs ever dont @ me