Comment by luvtheheaven on May 9, 2010 at 10:46pm

That's an interesting possible interpretation... has R.E.M. ever publicly talked about the meaning of this song in an interview or anything?

Comment by Jeff Satterley on May 9, 2010 at 11:05pm

I heard somewhere (can't seem to find it now), that Michael Stipe said "losing my religion" wasn't about religion, but it's a southern saying that means "losing my temper."

From Wikipedia:

[Stipe] told Q that "Losing My Religion" is about "someone who pines for someone else. It's unrequited love, what have you." Stipe compared the song's theme to "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, saying, "It's just a classic obsession pop song. I've always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, 'Yeah, that's me.'"

I dunno about the homosexuality interpretation, but that could be part of the obsession.

Comment by William Summer on May 9, 2010 at 11:08pm

Ok, I am an atheist. And a bleeding heart progressive liberal who supports gay rights including marriage & adoption. I am also a life long REM fan, and this song is not about being homosexual. The phrase "losing my religion" is saying from the South (I grew up is SC) meaning losing one's temper, becoming fed up, frustrated with someone or something.

From Wikipedia - http://bit.ly/9COzYQ Stipe compared the song's theme to "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, saying, "It's just a classic obsession pop song. I've always felt the best kinds of songs are the ones where anybody can listen to it, put themselves in it and say, 'Yeah, that's me.'"

That said, in any artwork the beauty and meaning is in the eye of the beholder.

Comment by Skycomet the Fallen Angel on May 10, 2010 at 1:02pm

Oh. Okay. Point taken. I don't know who told me that it was about being gay.

Comment