Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: show-tunes
Song Meaning of “Losing My Mind (Follies)” by Stephen Sondheim
The song “Losing My Mind” from the musical Follies suggests a woman’s inner struggles with emotional instability. The woman’s long-unrequited love for a man has pushed her to the brink of emotional insanity as she can’t cope with her feelings of neglect.
The lyrics describe a fragile state with no joy, love or rest as the woman obsesses about the man she loves. Her thoughts are in a complete turmoil, and she can barely function in her daily life. Nothing seems to make her feel any better, and her emotions are endlessly spinning around like a top that has nowhere to rest.
The woman seeks solace in some coping mechanism such as drinking and flirting, only to realize she doesn’t get the fulfillment she desires. The man she loves could give her the comfort she seeks, but she feels he’s unreachable. Nothing makes sense to her anymore as her emotions have clouded her mind.
The lyrics express a deep sorrow and despair at losing the ability to control her mind in the midst of all these emotions. She’s lost herself to her feelings and her sanity is pushed beyond her control. The song speaks of a heartache which makes her feel like she’s losing her mind.