Man On The Moon

R.E.M.'s 'Man On The Moon' is a song that intertwines the surreal with the reflective, creating a tribute to the late comedian Andy Kaufman while also delving into themes of belief and skepticism. The song's title and chorus reference the Apollo moon landings, which some conspiracy theorists claim were hoaxed. This skepticism is paralleled with the disbelief some people had towards Kaufman's avant-garde and often bizarre performances, questioning whether he was serious or 'goofing' on the audience, much like the doubts surrounding the moon landing.

The verses of the song mention various historical and cultural figures, such as Moses, Sir Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin, who challenged conventional beliefs or were themselves subjects of disbelief. The playful references to board games and wrestling hint at the idea of life being a game or a performance, a concept Kaufman embodied in his career. The repeated 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah' serves as an affirmation, perhaps ironically, of the stories and ideas being recounted.

The song ultimately asks listeners to consider what they choose to believe and the nature of reality itself. It suggests that if one can accept the extraordinary claim of a man walking on the moon, then perhaps the extraordinary and unconventional aspects of life, like Kaufman's comedic genius, should also be embraced. The line 'If you believe there's nothing up my sleeve, then nothing is cool' implies that a sense of wonder and openness to the unbelievable makes life interesting and exciting.