Highlights
- “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. is not actually about religion, but about having a crush on someone.
- The song caused controversy with its religious imagery, but its intention was to explore unattainable love.
- Despite the confusion, the song became one of R.E.M.’s greatest hits and continues to resonate with audiences.
The 1990s was filled with videos and songs that reshaped the music industry. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” shifted the industry, and even though Kurt Cobain hated it, the song proved that a new era was on its way.
R.E.M. had a wealth of success during the decade, and arguably their biggest song and video was “Losing My Religion.” For years, many people took things at face value, and they saw the song as something going against religious establishments.
This is simply not the case, and people were stunned to learn what the song was actually about. Essentially, this classic R.E.M. tune became perhaps the most misunderstood song of the 1990s, which is saying a lot.
“Losing My Religion” By R.E.M. Was About Having A Crush On Someone, And Not About Religion
“Losing My Religion” was a monster hit for R.E.M., but people completely misunderstood what Michael Stipe was talking about in the song. While some beleived that it was on-the-nose about religion, the truth is that the song itself is about having a crush.
“So, what I was pulling from was being the shy wallflower who hangs back at the party, or at the dance, and doesn’t go up to the person that you’re madly in love with and say, ‘I’ve kind of got a crush on you. How do you feel about me?’ So there’s this whole relationship that’s happening only in the person’s mind. And he doesn’t know whether he’s said too much or hasn’t said enough. So he’s like, in the corner of the dance floor, watching everyone dancing, watching the love of his life, on the dance floor dancing with everyone, ’cause that’s the most exciting person. Or he’s in the kitchen, behind the refrigerator,” singer Michael Stipe said about the song.
That’s right, this song is all about someone pining for another person, and being upset that they didn’t get their massive hints.
In hindsight, it’s pretty easy to cruise over the lyrics and see what Stipe was saying, but back in the day, the song’s title and video had some people in a frenzy about the potential anti-religious message.
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The Song And Video Caused An Uproar With Religious Folks
The accompanying music video, directed by Tarsem Singh, added a layer of mystique. Inspired by the works of Italian painter Caravaggio, it features religious iconography and surreal imagery. The video stirred controversy, with some interpreting its symbolism as blasphemous, while others praised its artistic merit. Stipe, in interviews, maintained that the intention was not to offend but to provoke thought.
Despite the controversy, or perhaps because of it, the video became iconic and played a significant role in propelling the song to international fame.
In an interview, Stipe defended the video’s artistic choices, stating that the intention was to explore the idea of unattainable love using religious imagery. The controversy, however, did not detract from the song’s popularity; instead, it added a layer of intrigue that fueled its success.
Incredibly, the video still resonates with fans, and in 2022, the video hit a major milestone.
“The iconic 1991 clip has officially hit the milestone count on YouTube, 11 years after it was first uploaded to the site. It joins fellow ’90s videos Nirvana‘s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Guns N’ Roses‘ “November Rain,” AC/DC‘s “Thunderstruck,” Metallica‘s “Nothing Else Matters,” The Cranberries‘ “Zombie,” 4 Non Blondes‘ “What’s Up,” and Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You” in the billion views club,” UDiscoverMusic reported.
Thanks to the song being a triumph, and the controversial video, it became one of R.E.M.’s most important and successful songs.
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It Remains One Of Their Greatest Hits
“Losing My Religion” achieved remarkable success on the charts. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The song’s popularity extended globally, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. Its success catapulted R.E.M. into mainstream stardom, and the album Out of Time became a commercial triumph.
Decades after its release, “Losing My Religion” continues to resonate with audiences. It has been covered by various artists, featured in numerous films and TV shows, and its haunting melody remains instantly recognizable. The enduring legacy of the song is a testament to its timeless quality and its ability to connect with listeners on a profound level.
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“Losing My Religion” had audiences largely confused about its meaning, but Stipe’s clarification makes it quite easy to see. It’s a haunting and timeless tune that fans from any era can enjoy.
Source: NewsFinale
