Losing My Religion
R.E.M. · In Time - The Best of R.E.M. 1988-2003
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 on 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 aground
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 on 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
Losing My Religion
Released in 1991, "Losing My Religion" stands as a defining anthem of alternative rock, propelled by Peter Gabriel's soaring vocals and Mike Mills' intricate guitar work. The track exemplifies R.E.M.'s signature blend of indie pop sensibilities with introspective lyricism, capturing the anxieties of late 20th-century youth culture. Originally appearing on the landmark compilation "Out Of Time," the song transcended its compilation origins to become a staple of the genre, influencing countless artists who followed. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of disconnection and the search for identity, delivered with a polished production that cemented R.E.M.'s status as a global force. The recording remains a critical touchstone for understanding the evolution of American indie music in the early 1990s.