Losing My Mind - Michael Ball

Losing My Mind - Stephen Sondheim, Performed by Michael Ball

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  Music

[boynamedalexxx]

This song is all about "wanting"; desire, passion, and, ultimately, obsession. It's an infatuation that isn't returned. It goes beyond love. It's not about being intimate or sentimental (which is what love implies...this is pain and anguish. That's why the only time the word is used is when referencing "you *said* you loved me". The end of the song carries realization that there is no real love here...just unrequited desire. It's called "Losing My Mind" for a reason.

[boynamedalexxx]

I wondered that, too. It really, really changed the entire number for me, though. "Want" is so much more effective.

Other than that, I found his performance self-indulgent & surface-level. All of the gestures and presentational expressions took me out of the song. This is, possibly, my favorite Sondheim number. Its genius is that you can literally stand in one spot & not move at all & deliver this gut-wrenching song with honesty & anguish, & it's better than "staging" it would be.

[Jake Porch]

Sounds like it starts in E-flat major and ends in G-flat major. Could be wrong, could be more modulations in the middle, but I just listened to the beginning and end parts

[sarali40]

It's from Hey, Mr. Producer! - a huge tribute to Cameron Mackintosh.

[QuarroTrump]

...those moments in life when doubts turn into mania.

I love this version.

Maybe it's the saxophone.

[YDNILL1]

The words are as written. You may interpret them any way you wish. When you hear a song you're not obliged to have seen and heard it init's original context to enjoy it. I haven't seen the show

so that's how I understand it.

[kevkevshields]

If only that's what the song was even remotely about.

[walba09]

Does anyone know what key he sings this in? My ear training is bad

[YDNILL1]

There actually is sometimes something "goofy" about being in the throes of a new love. I think the term is lovesick.

[YDNILL1]

I cannot believe that you find this performance "bizarre". The confusion and anguish of not being sure that love is returned is so very clear in his expression and gestures and the uncertainty is echoed in his voice. I found it very moving and beautiful.

[theuns42]

He had a masterclass from Sondheim telling him how to sing this song. Brilliant

[boynamedalexxx]

What does?