“Losing My Religion” was released by R.E.M. in 1991 as the lead single from their album Out of Time. Built around a distinctive mandolin riff played by Peter Buck, the song departs from conventional rock arrangements, creating a reflective, understated sound that helped broaden alternative rock’s appeal to a mainstream audience. Written primarily by Michael Stipe, the lyrics explore obsession, vulnerability, and emotional exposure rather than religion itself. The phrase “losing my religion” is a