Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:24 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

Why would Michael Stipe play "Losing My Religion"?

I thought this concert was supposed to be about getting back up.

97 replies, 4486 views

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97 replies	Author	Time	Post
Why would Michael Stipe play "Losing My Religion"? (Original post)	loyalsister	Dec 2012	OP
Because its a good song.	ForgoTheConsequence	Dec 2012	#1
Why the hell not? It was a big hit	Warpy	Dec 2012	#2
Up until then there was a pretty natural theme	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#9
Roger Waters was singing some pretty dark shit.	Iggo	Dec 2012	#24
He sure was	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#63
Mm-hmm.	Iggo	Dec 2012	#96
I get knocked down, but I get up again.	Beartracks	Dec 2012	#3
Pissing the night away....	WCGreen	Dec 2012	#7
Urinary incontinence is not a suitable topic for a fundraising concert, either.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#34
It's R.E.M.'s highest charted song	blogslut	Dec 2012	#4
Why wouldn't he sing it?	Wind Dancer	Dec 2012	#5
It's all about loss	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#12
Religions...all of them have done huge damage in this world...	RichGirl	Dec 2012	#62
I agree with almost all of what you say	demokatgurrl	Dec 2012	#67
It's the first R.E.M. song that comes to my mind.	cherokeeprogressive	Dec 2012	#6
That's a shame.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#33
Exactly	deutsey	Dec 2012	#79
Exhuming McCarthy	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#59
Exhuming McCarthy would have been even more 'off', tone-wise.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#60
Of course	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#64
It is a Southern Saying	treestar	Dec 2012	#8
^^^^ this ^^^^ AND it's a great song, and the concert was about entertainment and raising $$$$	LaydeeBug	Dec 2012	#66
My mother always said it. She meant swearing, too.	Phentex	Dec 2012	#71
I'm glad he did. We just witnessed a bit of Rock-n-Roll history made there. eom	ChisolmTrailDem	Dec 2012	#10
It's a great song	amuse bouche	Dec 2012	#11
Of course	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#13
It was a 6 hour concert	amuse bouche	Dec 2012	#19
"If anyone was offended over an R.E.M song, they have bigger problems"	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#20
The melodrama is obtuse	amuse bouche	Dec 2012	#25
Ooof	ForgoTheConsequence	Dec 2012	#35
Nice	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#40
You questioned the choice of the performer based on your IGNORANCE of what that title means.	cleanhippie	Dec 2012	#51
And I have never claimed it was	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#68
Honestly	Dorian Gray	Dec 2012	#39
Oh FFS. IT DOESNT MEAN WHAT YOU THINK IT DOES!!!!!!	cleanhippie	Dec 2012	#50
I do know	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#61
bottom line is, Stipe is a New Yorker, too.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#74
Leave Mark Knopfler out of this.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#31
I'll have to get back to you	rocktivity	Dec 2012	#14
I agree about the Clapton song	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#15
Losing my religion was the best thing that ever happened to me	OriginalGeek	Dec 2012	#16
I have to agree	amuse bouche	Dec 2012	#18
I thought the same thing	LTR	Dec 2012	#22
ring ring hey Chris it is Michael Stipe I was thinking of doing a song with you	Johonny	Dec 2012	#17
-1000 :(	ToxMarz	Dec 2012	#21
LOL I do get the song	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#26
because it's a GREAT SONG	Skittles	Dec 2012	#23
"Losing my religion" means to lose one's temper (not 'turning the other cheek')	REP	Dec 2012	#27
That's why R.E.M. has written so many damn fine songs, because they work on different levels.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#29
I believe it's of Irish origin (could be wrong)	REP	Dec 2012	#32
Jefferson Holt? Who is this Jefferson Holt of whom you speak? He has been completely removed...	Tom Ripley	Dec 2012	#65
Yeah, but he's still in the video for "Can't Get There From Here"	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#69
I am honestly surprised that they have not edited him out of the video...	Tom Ripley	Dec 2012	#72
That seems to be the case, at least from the stories I've heard.	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#76
Damn, Stipe was there?	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#28
Like any serious long time R.E.M. fan I would have preferred, oooh, "Gardening At Night"	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#30
It was a concert.	ForgoTheConsequence	Dec 2012	#36
LOL	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#47
Why are you ignoring the fact that it has NOTHING to do with religion.	cleanhippie	Dec 2012	#54
Can you point to where I said it had something to do with religion?	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#70
Do you know a non-depressing REM song? "Shiny Happy People" is in a minor key, for God's sake	Recursion	Dec 2012	#83
.	cleanhippie	Dec 2012	#94
because it's one of their most well known songs	JI7	Dec 2012	#37
Given that the storm was probably made worse by global warming, sure, he could have done "Cuyahoga"	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#38
Folks...	WilliamPitt	Dec 2012	#41
Losing my Religion	Aerows	Dec 2012	#42
Given that context, the song can be seen as quite cathartic for people affected by the storm	deutsey	Dec 2012	#85
I went through Katrina	Aerows	Dec 2012	#90
I went through Irene and Sandy with some risk to my life in both, so neither do I n/t	deutsey	Dec 2012	#91
What would you have preferred he play? eom	City Lights	Dec 2012	#43
King Of Birds?	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#48
According to Kipp Teague, arguably a more definitive source for R.E.M. lyrics than the band itself	Warren DeMontague	Dec 2012	#58
South Central Rain	Bigleaf	Dec 2012	#55
Good grief. nt.	OldDem2012	Dec 2012	#44
Shiny Happy People would have been much better	MagickMuffin	Dec 2012	#45
Timeless song	Tsiyu	Dec 2012	#46
Do you even know what the term "Losing My Religion" means?	cleanhippie	Dec 2012	#49
Why not?	Fearless	Dec 2012	#52
Probably should have played "It's the End of the World as We Know It" instead...	DanTex	Dec 2012	#53
If you want to go down this road, Jumping Jack Flash is even more questionable	cemaphonic	Dec 2012	#56
Thank you!	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#73
He said he and Chris Martin wanted to do a well-known song.	Arugula Latte	Dec 2012	#57
The concert was about raising money. People expect hit songs from these artists.	phleshdef	Dec 2012	#75
Speaking as a songwriter and performer	riqster	Dec 2012	#77
i don't agree with the o.p., but this goes a rather too far.	unblock	Dec 2012	#78
Let me clarify	riqster	Dec 2012	#93
Please	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#80
Actually, true art is interpreted by the viewer or listener.	SomethingFishy	Dec 2012	#81
I have always believed there are three elements to any work of art: conception, execution, reception	Tom Ripley	Dec 2012	#87
As has been pointed out, it's just a southern saying. Stipe was surprised people took it...	Recursion	Dec 2012	#82
I did not even notice a theme for the night.	badhair77	Dec 2012	#84
Who says you can't go home?	loyalsister	Dec 2012	#92
Sometimes songs about anger, frustration, etc., are more cathartic than	deutsey	Dec 2012	#86
More appropriate would have been "Fall On Me"	Avalux	Dec 2012	#88
A more appropriate song would've been "Dear God" by XTC... nt	Comrade_McKenzie	Dec 2012	#89
If it was about getting back up, he would have sung "Losing My Erection"	slackmaster	Dec 2012	#95
Maybe they should have had Meredith Vieira narrate the whole thing.	Iggo	Dec 2012	#97

Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:26 AM

ForgoTheConsequence (979 posts)

1. Because its a good song.

And it was very gracious of him to come out in the first place. People seemed to like it.

But I guess someone has to complain about everything.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:27 AM

Warpy (69,133 posts)

2. Why the hell not? It was a big hit

and sometimes getting mad is the precursor to getting back up.

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Response to Warpy (Reply #2)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:51 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

9. Up until then there was a pretty natural theme

Not a self promotion. This song does not work with an audience that is not familiar with REM and\or doesn't delve into the lyrics. I have always thought of it as a song about falling out of love. The whole idea of loss is relevant, but I doubt the majority of viewers listen to REM with a sophisticated ear.
There may be far too many people who hear that single line and that wraps up the concert for them, and I would hate to see this entire concert be demonized.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #9)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:49 AM

Iggo (22,307 posts)

24. Roger Waters was singing some pretty dark shit.

I don't see the problem.

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Response to Iggo (Reply #24)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:22 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

63. He sure was

I wondered about those, too. But, they were a little more forgettable.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #63)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 08:19 PM

Iggo (22,307 posts)

96. Mm-hmm.

Last edited Thu Dec 13, 2012, 08:19 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

Us And Them, Money, In The Flesh, Another Brick In The Wall, Comfortably Numb.

I see what you're doing. Have a nice day.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:34 AM

Beartracks (3,159 posts)

3. I get knocked down, but I get up again.

You're never going to keep me down!

=================

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Response to Beartracks (Reply #3)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:42 AM

WCGreen (44,930 posts)

7. Pissing the night away....

Pissing the night away... I get knocked down....

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Response to WCGreen (Reply #7)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:04 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

34. Urinary incontinence is not a suitable topic for a fundraising concert, either.

Gee, whiz.

Sorry, I said "Whiz".

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:37 AM

blogslut (27,294 posts)

4. It's R.E.M.'s highest charted song

n/t

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:38 AM

Wind Dancer (3,612 posts)

5. Why wouldn't he sing it?

Believe it or not, "getting back up" doesn't require religion!

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Response to Wind Dancer (Reply #5)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:59 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

12. It's all about loss

.. there's no get back up in it. The song doesn't challenge religion, but that may be what a lot of people get out of it. I don't think people who rely on religion for some kind of inner peace would appreciate the possible "it's all gone to hell I've lost everything there' no way a benevolent god would allow this to happen."
It just seems like a song that doesn't fit the theme in any sort of universal sense and it got a lot of attention.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #12)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:19 PM

RichGirl (3,658 posts)

62. Religions...all of them have done huge damage in this world...

And still do, including Christianity. Look at the hatred that comes from Pat Robertson, Ann Coulter, etc.

Joseph Campbell said: You have to lose God in order to find God. I took that as meaning you have to lose your religion before you can truly know God. God lives and breaths in each of us. Religion is a distortion.

Whether anyone agrees with me or not...I think it's wrong to claim that without religion there is no God.

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Response to RichGirl (Reply #62)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:30 PM

demokatgurrl (3,929 posts)

67. I agree with almost all of what you say

However, with the caveat that I am not a Christian, from my understanding of Christ, be he real or mythical, Coulter, Robertson and their ilk are not Christians either. They are too hate-filled.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:39 AM

cherokeeprogressive (14,955 posts)

6. It's the first R.E.M. song that comes to my mind.

In fact, I'm hard pressed to name five others from that band.

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Response to cherokeeprogressive (Reply #6)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:02 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

33. That's a shame.

They've got one of the most far-ranging, diverse and solid catalogs of any American rock and roll band, in my opinion.

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Response to Warren DeMontague (Reply #33)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:40 PM

deutsey (16,802 posts)

79. Exactly

Some amazing music from that band, especially their stuff from the mid-'80s.

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Response to cherokeeprogressive (Reply #6)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:13 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

59. Exhuming McCarthy

Welcome To The Occupation, Orange Crush, King Of Birds, Stand, Night Swimming, Texarkanna......

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #59)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:16 PM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

60. Exhuming McCarthy would have been even more 'off', tone-wise.

Last edited Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:18 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

Honestly, the most appropriate Post Hurricane sounding tune I can think of, they wrote for Katrina; but it's a bit New Orleans Specific:

I suppose he could have done "Leaving New York" since it talks about New York; although everyone wants to forget that album happened.

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Response to Warren DeMontague (Reply #60)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:24 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

64. Of course

I was just naming more songs. I would love to hear Exhuming McCarthy at a protest, though.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:45 AM

treestar (40,473 posts)

8. It is a Southern Saying

Has nothing to do with actual religion. It just means "losing my mind."

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Response to treestar (Reply #8)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:30 PM

LaydeeBug (4,476 posts)

66. ^^^^ this ^^^^ AND it's a great song, and the concert was about entertainment and raising $$$$

Not running an esoteric theme.

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Response to treestar (Reply #8)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:47 PM

Phentex (7,916 posts)

71. My mother always said it. She meant swearing, too.

She'd say something like "That was enough to make me lose my religion!" when she was frustrated about something. Or she might say it when someone was swearing up a storm. When i first heard the song i just assumed that's what he meant and it had nothing to do with giving up religion.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:53 AM

ChisolmTrailDem (999 posts)

10. I'm glad he did. We just witnessed a bit of Rock-n-Roll history made there. eom

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:56 AM

amuse bouche (1,703 posts)

11. It's a great song

Haven't you ever heard it before?

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Response to amuse bouche (Reply #11)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:05 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

13. Of course

It's about losing devotion. Falling out of love with a person, job, wanting to drop out of school....
So many people who have just been through it are now clinging to their religion as a means of dealing with loss. I get philosophical theme of that song is about having to give up on something valuable, but the buzz word "religion" is bound to make people who lean on some kind of religious faith uncomfortable. I just think that is something to be respected when people are in such dire straights.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #13)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:26 AM

amuse bouche (1,703 posts)

19. It was a 6 hour concert

to help those in need. A lot of people happily gave their time and talent

If anyone was offended over an R.E.M song, they have bigger problems

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Response to amuse bouche (Reply #19)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:37 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

20. "If anyone was offended over an R.E.M song, they have bigger problems"

I suppose so. Like losing their house and livelihood? And one of the few things they feel they have left is the collection of religious myths that have gotten them through the night.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #20)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:55 AM

amuse bouche (1,703 posts)

25. The melodrama is obtuse

and silly, unless you're writing a bad soap. If so, good luck with that

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #20)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:08 AM

ForgoTheConsequence (979 posts)

35. Ooof

Get over it. Are you the type that needs to be offended for everyone? No one else is complaining about this except for you.

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Response to ForgoTheConsequence (Reply #35)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:25 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

40. Nice

I questioned the choice a performer made for reasons that I believe have merit. I get that you disagree with my reasoning, but are celebrities not to be questioned?

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #40)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:37 AM

cleanhippie (14,481 posts)

51. You questioned the choice of the performer based on your IGNORANCE of what that title means.

It. Is. Not. About. Religion.

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Response to cleanhippie (Reply #51)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:31 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

68. And I have never claimed it was

Do you dispute that it is open to speculation as most literature is? It's a mournful sounding song that refers to loss and insecurity that follows. Nothing about getting back up and repairing the damage.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #20)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 07:22 AM

Dorian Gray (7,549 posts)

39. Honestly

I live in NYC and am originally from the Jersey Shore. My hometown was hit hard by the Hurricane. Most of my friends were "live tweeting" or Facebook Blogging the concert, and not one complained about REM and their song choice. There were other complaints. Kanye wasn't a big hit with my friends. But Losing My Religion is a great song by a great band, and most seemed to appreciate it.

(I acknowledge that my sampling of FB friends and Twitter followers is not a scientific study....)

Though I can name at least five other REM songs that I would have rather heard, Losing My Religion isn't a bad choice.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #20)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:36 AM

cleanhippie (14,481 posts)

50. Oh FFS. IT DOESNT MEAN WHAT YOU THINK IT DOES!!!!!!

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RELIGION!!!!!!

Fuck! I hate ignorance!

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Response to cleanhippie (Reply #50)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:19 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

61. I do know

Do you think every singly bit of literature, poetry, novel, etc. has an exact universal interpretation? You think it doesn't have anything to do with loss? Loss of temper, conviction, love?

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #61)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:55 PM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

74. bottom line is, Stipe is a New Yorker, too.

He can sing what he wants.

And as far as rock and roll people go, he's pretty hard to challenge in terms of integrity. That's why you've never seen an R.E.M. Song in say, a Levis or Burger King ad.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #13)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:52 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

31. Leave Mark Knopfler out of this.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:12 AM

rocktivity (36,625 posts)

14. I'll have to get back to you

I'm too busy trying to figure out why Eric Clapton played "When You're Down and Out".

But seriously, folks, have you not lost everything when you've lost your religion? And are there not Hurricane Sandy victims who have lost everything?

rocktivity

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Response to rocktivity (Reply #14)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:19 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

15. I agree about the Clapton song

That is something people truly do experience. Relatives\friends from out of state would love to help, but.. There's something to be said for singing the blues, but in the context of recovery, I don't see it as the time.

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Response to rocktivity (Reply #14)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:21 AM

OriginalGeek (5,460 posts)

16. Losing my religion was the best thing that ever happened to me

Incredibly freeing.

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Response to OriginalGeek (Reply #16)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:23 AM

amuse bouche (1,703 posts)

18. I have to agree

with that sentiment

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Response to rocktivity (Reply #14)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:41 AM

LTR (13,040 posts)

22. I thought the same thing

But anything from the Layla album sounds good regardless. And it's cool he went with a deep cut off of it.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:21 AM

Johonny (11,068 posts)

17. ring ring hey Chris it is Michael Stipe I was thinking of doing a song with you

that's great I know how to play Losing My Religion acoustic. Great...

does it have to be all complicated. Is Chris Martin suppose to know REMs whole catalog. I think it's not a surprise he knows how to play a REM hit. He did a great job and the two were really good out there.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:39 AM

ToxMarz (204 posts)

21. -1000 :(

Good music is open to multitude of interpretations. If that's your take fine, though I don't think you really get the song or REM. That is my take, but I won't try to berate you with it until you submit.

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Response to ToxMarz (Reply #21)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:03 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

26. LOL I do get the song

Like most symbolic language it is subject to interpretation and there are some that aren't very well suited to an event that was supposed to be about rebuilding.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:45 AM

Skittles (86,304 posts)

23. because it's a GREAT SONG

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:42 AM

REP (18,287 posts)

27. "Losing my religion" means to lose one's temper (not 'turning the other cheek')

Doesn't mean actually giving up one's faith.

"People who don't know common idioms get me close to losing my religion and saying what I really think."

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Response to REP (Reply #27)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:46 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

29. That's why R.E.M. has written so many damn fine songs, because they work on different levels.

Like the line in "Little America" about "Jefferson I Think We're Lost" can be taken to mean either the author of the declaration of Independence, or their road manager who forgot to bring a map.

Also, while "losing my religion" is a common idiom to the South; I'd never heard of it until the song came out.

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Response to Warren DeMontague (Reply #29)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:57 AM

REP (18,287 posts)

32. I believe it's of Irish origin (could be wrong)

I'm a Mid-Westerner myself, but I'm also a word nerd.

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Response to Warren DeMontague (Reply #29)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:28 PM

Tom Ripley (2,642 posts)

65. Jefferson Holt? Who is this Jefferson Holt of whom you speak? He has been completely removed...

from the REM narrative/history. It's like something out of the old days of the USSR...

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Response to Tom Ripley (Reply #65)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:35 PM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

69. Yeah, but he's still in the video for "Can't Get There From Here"

but clearly whatever issues they had with the guy, were enough to make them want to scrub all discussion of him.

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Response to Warren DeMontague (Reply #69)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:55 PM

Tom Ripley (2,642 posts)

72. I am honestly surprised that they have not edited him out of the video...

for the past several years, while singing "Little America" Stipe has even replaced the name "Jefferson" with "Washington" or other names.
During the 80s underground, I didn't much care for REM, but even I knew who Holt was. He was an important element in the band mythology.
I guess workplace misbehavior can have repercussions both serious and trivial.

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Response to Tom Ripley (Reply #72)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:58 PM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

76. That seems to be the case, at least from the stories I've heard.

I'm old school, though- I think little america is a fine song as originally written, I dont think they need to change the words.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:43 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

28. Damn, Stipe was there?

shit, I should have watched it.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:49 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

30. Like any serious long time R.E.M. fan I would have preferred, oooh, "Gardening At Night"

However, we can't have everything, can we.

Look! Bill Berry!

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:09 AM

ForgoTheConsequence (979 posts)

36. It was a concert.

We're you offended when Billy Joel sang about taking a Catholic school girls virginity?

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Response to ForgoTheConsequence (Reply #36)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:31 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

47. LOL

Yea right. Can you please make the connection between the celebratory tone of Only The Good Die Young and the morose mourning tone of Losing My Religion?

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #47)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:39 AM

cleanhippie (14,481 posts)

54. Why are you ignoring the fact that it has NOTHING to do with religion.

You are on the fucking internet! Look it up before pontificating on matters you know nothing about. It makes you look foolish.

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Response to cleanhippie (Reply #54)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:41 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

70. Can you point to where I said it had something to do with religion?

Why are you claiming that you have the absolute truth? I am more likely to hear that style of aggressive argument from people who carry bibles.
My claim is that music lyrics are subject to individual interpretation and that there are people who do make that claim and I don't resent it. It's unfortunate you believe it is foolish to be open- minded and leave people to their own beliefs because you are so entrenched in your own.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #70)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:56 PM

Recursion (25,495 posts)

83. Do you know a non-depressing REM song? "Shiny Happy People" is in a minor key, for God's sake

If you have Michael Stipe on stage, you're not going to get something peppy.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #70)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 07:34 PM

cleanhippie (14,481 posts)

94. .

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:18 AM

JI7 (40,076 posts)

37. because it's one of their most well known songs

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 03:30 AM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

38. Given that the storm was probably made worse by global warming, sure, he could have done "Cuyahoga"

Or "Fall On Me", something with an appropriately environmental subtext.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:28 AM

WilliamPitt (54,469 posts)

41. Folks...

"Losing My Religion" is an old Southern saying that means you're pissed.

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."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losing_My_Religion

It's not about religion.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:34 AM

Aerows (13,852 posts)

42. Losing my Religion

Last edited Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:45 AM USA/ET - Edit history (3)

is a Southern saying. Michael Stipe is from Georgia. It means losing your temper or your mind. The song is about longing and obsession for someone. i.e. That's me in the corner, that's me in the spotlight, but I'm still losing my mind no matter where I am because of you.

It talks about the lengths he goes to to forget, but can't. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with religion, and everything to do with losing one's mind out of desire for someone. Tori Amos, who is from North Carolina, also did a cover of it that was phenomenal. She has such an evocative and passionate style, that I think it came through even more bluntly.

It's a great song about passion, obsession and longing. Everyone from the South has heard someone say "I'm about to lose my religion!".

Tori's version:

And a completely different version she does:

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Response to Aerows (Reply #42)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:57 PM

deutsey (16,802 posts)

85. Given that context, the song can be seen as quite cathartic for people affected by the storm

Often when you've lost something dear or everything, you don't want someone giving you well-intentioned encouragement. What you want is to have someone acknowledge (and validate) just how pissed off you are over your loss...

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Response to deutsey (Reply #85)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:27 PM

Aerows (13,852 posts)

90. I went through Katrina

I don't need a context to understand what the fine folks in NE are going through

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Response to Aerows (Reply #90)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:40 PM

deutsey (16,802 posts)

91. I went through Irene and Sandy with some risk to my life in both, so neither do I n/t

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:34 AM

City Lights (21,577 posts)

43. What would you have preferred he play? eom

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Response to City Lights (Reply #43)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:33 AM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

48. King Of Birds?

"A main idea to call my own"... writing a new chapter.

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Response to loyalsister (Reply #48)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:08 PM

Warren DeMontague (46,304 posts)

58. According to Kipp Teague, arguably a more definitive source for R.E.M. lyrics than the band itself

It's "mean idea" throughout the entire song, which is how I've always heard it as well;

http://www.retroweb.com/rem/lyrics/song_KingOfBirds.html

Nevertheless, great tune. Love this version:

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Response to City Lights (Reply #43)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:48 AM

Bigleaf (2,021 posts)

55. South Central Rain

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:40 AM

OldDem2012 (3,526 posts)

44. Good grief. nt.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:45 AM

MagickMuffin (7,369 posts)

45. Shiny Happy People would have been much better

Okey-dokey, I'm being sarcastic.

I don't see the problem with Losing My Religion. We're all prone to losing our minds, faith, and ourselves in stressful times.

Loss is a terrible thing for us mere humans to have the capacity to deal with sometimes.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:21 AM

Tsiyu (15,455 posts)

46. Timeless song

Excellent choice, kudos to all who performed.

oh no, I've said too much....

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:34 AM

cleanhippie (14,481 posts)

49. Do you even know what the term "Losing My Religion" means?

It's an old Southern term, and it doesn't mean what you think it does.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:38 AM

Fearless (12,391 posts)

52. Why not?

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:38 AM

DanTex (3,776 posts)

53. Probably should have played "It's the End of the World as We Know It" instead...

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:48 AM

cemaphonic (2,303 posts)

56. If you want to go down this road, Jumping Jack Flash is even more questionable

But it was a benefit concert. There was no underlying theme beyond "Pop musicians perform their biggest hits" to entertain people and raise money for a good cause.

Besides, Michael Stipe has always gone out of his way to write lyrics that are very open to interpretation, so claiming that the theme is inappropriate is weird to me, since everybody takes a different meaning from it.

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Response to cemaphonic (Reply #56)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:55 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

73. Thank you!

I asked a question and that was my point. Songs are subject to interpretation, and there is little doubt that loss in some form is part of that song. I questioned the idea of playing a song that has a mournful tone about loss without the get back up element.

Bruce Springsteen started with "My City Of Ruins" that ends with a chorus shout and call back - "rise up." I don't particularly like religious imagery. There's lots in Land Of Hope And Dreams. But I have found it forgivable in his newest songs, because of the universal tone of the entire songs. I think it might appeal to other people in a way that is meaningful.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 11:59 AM

Arugula Latte (40,130 posts)

57. He said he and Chris Martin wanted to do a well-known song.

Plus, "losing my religion" means losing your composure.

Plus, even if it meant losing your actual religion that would not be a bad thing.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 12:57 PM

phleshdef (8,293 posts)

75. The concert was about raising money. People expect hit songs from these artists.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:18 PM

riqster (4,140 posts)

77. Speaking as a songwriter and performer

I can say this: if you aren't the artist or aren't on intimate terms with the artist, you probably don't know fuck-all about their material, and like Tipper Gore, look pretty silly when you criticize them.

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Response to riqster (Reply #77)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:34 PM

unblock (23,759 posts)

78. i don't agree with the o.p., but this goes a rather too far.

an artist's audience certainly has every right, and is usually encouraged, to critique and comment and interpret and share their perspective on that artist's works.

and at some point, if the artist has to explain what the work is about, it's reflects poorly on their ability to express themselves through their creations. i don't think that applies in this case, but i don't think you can really defend a view that only the artist and their intimates can reasonably comment on their material.

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Response to unblock (Reply #78)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 04:27 PM

riqster (4,140 posts)

93. Let me clarify

The OP was assuming that Mr. Stipe made an inappropriate choice: this assumption was based on the OP's projection of his own interpretation of the song onto the artist.

That projection lies at the root of the post, and is what I attempted to address ( obviously not very well).

Once we do a song, it becomes a living breathing piece of shared consciousness, and I love it when people tell me what a song means to them. I don't appreciate it when they think themselves telepathic and tell me what I meant by it.

If people are going to make assumptions at all, I suggest people consider that the artist is clearly a caring, giving, compassionate man ( as evidenced by his participation in the concert) and so he probably had good intentions with the song choice.

But it would be even better to just appreciate the contribution of the singer to a very worthy cause and leave it at that.

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Response to riqster (Reply #77)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:44 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

80. Please

If someone is going to put literature (song lyrics included) out for public consumption it is usually a given that they will accept the likelihood that there will be alternate interpretations and unexpected responses. Assuming the artist is mature enough to understand that they do not own of truth of every single word they have ever written or said.
For someone who is a devout believer the single line "losing my religion" out of context may be interpreted much differently from the intention.
It is ridiculous for someone to not acknowledge that there are working brains that either may not fully appreciate the original intention of the author, or they may have their own thoughts on it based on their personal experience. I think that people who are living through a tragedy might take it out of context and find it painful.

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Response to riqster (Reply #77)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:52 PM

SomethingFishy (2,054 posts)

81. Actually, true art is interpreted by the viewer or listener.

A good artist will tell you that his/her work will mean different things to different people depending on the baggage people bring with them when they view or listen to it.

A perfect example of this was a thread last night where a poster claimed Roger Waters "hates rich people" because of the song "Money".
Obviously the poster brought some "rich persons baggage" with him when listening, because nowhere in the song does he talk about "hating" money or rich people. I come to the song with "poor persons baggage" and I interpret the song to mean that being rich doesn't make you a better or worse person, and you'll get by just fine if you "get a good job with full pay"...

You get out of it what you bring into it when it comes to art...

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Response to riqster (Reply #77)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:10 PM

Tom Ripley (2,642 posts)

87. I have always believed there are three elements to any work of art: conception, execution, reception

the artist has little control over the third

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:55 PM

Recursion (25,495 posts)

82. As has been pointed out, it's just a southern saying. Stipe was surprised people took it...

... to be about literally losing religion. It's just something grandmothers say. It means "I'm frustrated".

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 01:57 PM

badhair77 (504 posts)

84. I did not even notice a theme for the night.

The purpose of the evening was to raise a ton of money for victims so they probably went with the most familiar and in demand. According to Billboard, before the music even started they supposedly had $36 mil. I'll be interested to learn the final amount and how it is distributed.

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Response to badhair77 (Reply #84)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:40 PM

loyalsister (6,917 posts)

92. Who says you can't go home?

Death To My Hometown, Wrecking Ball, My City of Ruins, Land Of Hope And Dreams. NY tributes from Billy Joel. Maybe it just opened with a theme. The Stone's and The Who's sets struck me as stark exhilarating defiance. In the spirit of screw Sandy we're still rockin'

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:07 PM

deutsey (16,802 posts)

86. Sometimes songs about anger, frustration, etc., are more cathartic than

Last edited Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:09 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

songs about getting back up again.

If I was sad about breaking up with someone when I was younger, I'd rather put on a really good blues song expressing the pain of someone losing the woman he loved than listening to a bouncy tune about moving on.

Both types of songs have their place, though, depending on where you are emotionally.

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:10 PM

Avalux (28,938 posts)

88. More appropriate would have been "Fall On Me"

Last edited Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:13 PM USA/ET - Edit history (1)

Since Sandy was a by-product of climate change. But that song wasn't a hit, and Losing My Religion was. And anyone who knows Stipe and REM knows the song doesn't mean what you think.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/story-of-the-song-losing-my-religion-rem-1991-897255.html

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 02:15 PM

Comrade_McKenzie (2,526 posts)

89. A more appropriate song would've been "Dear God" by XTC... nt

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 07:36 PM

slackmaster (60,567 posts)

95. If it was about getting back up, he would have sung "Losing My Erection"

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Response to loyalsister (Original post)

Fri Dec 14, 2012, 09:11 AM

Iggo (22,307 posts)

97. Maybe they should have had Meredith Vieira narrate the whole thing.

(Okay. Now I'm done. I promise.)

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General Discussion (Forum)

Why would Michael Stipe play "Losing My Religion"?

1. Because its a good song.

2. Why the hell not? It was a big hit

9. Up until then there was a pretty natural theme

24. Roger Waters was singing some pretty dark shit.

63. He sure was

96. Mm-hmm.

3. I get knocked down, but I get up again.

7. Pissing the night away....

34. Urinary incontinence is not a suitable topic for a fundraising concert, either.

4. It's R.E.M.'s highest charted song

5. Why wouldn't he sing it?

12. It's all about loss

62. Religions...all of them have done huge damage in this world...

67. I agree with almost all of what you say

6. It's the first R.E.M. song that comes to my mind.

33. That's a shame.

79. Exactly

59. Exhuming McCarthy

60. Exhuming McCarthy would have been even more 'off', tone-wise.

64. Of course

8. It is a Southern Saying

66. ^^^^ this ^^^^ *AND* it's a great song, and the concert was about entertainment and raising $$$$

71. My mother always said it. She meant swearing, too.

10. I'm glad he did. We just witnessed a bit of Rock-n-Roll history made there. eom

11. It's a great song

13. Of course

19. It was a 6 hour concert

20. "If anyone was offended over an R.E.M song, they have bigger problems"

25. The melodrama is obtuse

35. Ooof

40. Nice

51. You questioned the choice of the performer based on your IGNORANCE of what that title means.

68. And I have never claimed it was

39. Honestly

50. Oh FFS. IT DOESNT MEAN WHAT YOU THINK IT DOES!!!!!!

61. I do know

74. bottom line is, Stipe is a New Yorker, too.

31. Leave Mark Knopfler out of this.

14. I'll have to get back to you

15. I agree about the Clapton song

16. Losing my religion was the best thing that ever happened to me

18. I have to agree

22. I thought the same thing

17. ring ring hey Chris it is Michael Stipe I was thinking of doing a song with you

21. -1000 :(

26. LOL I do get the song

23. because it's a GREAT SONG

27. "Losing my religion" means to lose one's temper (not 'turning the other cheek')

29. That's why R.E.M. has written so many damn fine songs, because they work on different levels.

32. I believe it's of Irish origin (could be wrong)

65. Jefferson Holt? Who is this Jefferson Holt of whom you speak? He has been completely removed...

69. Yeah, but he's still in the video for "Can't Get There From Here"

72. I am honestly surprised that they have not edited him out of the video...

76. That seems to be the case, at least from the stories I've heard.

28. Damn, Stipe was there?

30. Like any serious long time R.E.M. fan I would have preferred, oooh, "Gardening At Night"

36. It was a concert.

47. LOL

54. Why are you ignoring the fact that it has NOTHING to do with religion.

70. Can you point to where I said it had something to do with religion?

83. Do you know a non-depressing REM song? "Shiny Happy People" is in a minor key, for God's sake

94. .

37. because it's one of their most well known songs

38. Given that the storm was probably made worse by global warming, sure, he could have done "Cuyahoga"

41. Folks...

42. Losing my Religion

85. Given that context, the song can be seen as quite cathartic for people affected by the storm

90. I went through Katrina

91. I went through Irene and Sandy with some risk to my life in both, so neither do I n/t

43. What would you have preferred he play? eom

48. King Of Birds?

58. According to Kipp Teague, arguably a more definitive source for R.E.M. lyrics than the band itself

55. South Central Rain

44. Good grief. nt.

45. Shiny Happy People would have been much better

46. Timeless song

49. Do you even know what the term "Losing My Religion" means?

52. Why not?

53. Probably should have played "It's the End of the World as We Know It" instead...

66. ^^^^ this ^^^^ AND it's a great song, and the concert was about entertainment and raising $$$$