R.e.m. - Losing My — Religion Lyrics

: The signature mandolin riff was created by guitarist Peter Buck while he was simply teaching himself how to play the instrument.

The title is a Southern idiom meaning to "lose your cool," reach the end of your rope, or become civically exasperated. Lead singer Michael Stipe wrote the lyrics from the perspective of a "shy wallflower" at a party, desperately pining for someone who may not even know they exist. R.E.M. - Losing My Religion Lyrics

: These lines represent the duality of feeling invisible yet completely exposed by your own overwhelming emotions. : The signature mandolin riff was created by

: Rather than religious penance, this refers to the narrator carefully self-censoring their feelings to avoid rejection. Fast Facts & Legacy R.E.M. - Losing My Religion Lyrics