"Man on the Moon" is a song by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released in November 1992 as the second single from their eighth album, Automatic for the People (1992).

The lyrics were written by lead singer Michael Stipe, and the music by drummer Bill Berry and guitarist Peter Buck.

"Man on the Moon" is a tribute to comedian Andy Kaufman, with numerous references to his career including his Elvis impersonation, wrestling, and the film My Breakfast with Blassie.

The song gave its name to Miloš Forman's Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon (1999), and features prominently in the film's soundtrack.

[6] Guitarist Peter Buck has explained how the music came together: "'Man on the Moon' was something that Bill [Berry] had, this one chord change that he came in with, which was C to D like the verse of the song, and he said: 'I don't know what to do with that.'

members had written and performed the music of the song and recorded it along with the rest of the Automatic for the People album during studio sessions in Seattle.

There are repeated mentions of Andy Kaufman, including references to his Elvis impersonation and work with wrestlers Fred Blassie[9] and Jerry Lawler.

"[11] According to Ann Powers, "Mentioning Kaufman in the same breath as Moses and Sir Isaac Newton, Stipe makes a game of human endeavor, insisting that it all ends in dust.

"[16] Edwin Pouncey from NME commented, "There are things hidden in 'Man on the Moon' that make you feel sad, lonely, nostalgic and warm.

There is also the occasional surprise, as when Michael Stipe unexpectedly summons fourth the ghostly presence of a young girl to sing along with a few words from his song.

"[17] Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel wrote, "The gently catchy "Man on the Moon" sounds a bit more like Lifes Rich Pageant-era R.E.M.

Mills' high harmonies, all too rare on this album, add resonance, and as Michael Stipe sings about Andy Kaufman, the Twister game and Elvis, he lapses into a humorous, appealing Elvis-via-Bryan-Ferry imitation.

[19] The song's accompanying music video, directed by Peter Care, was shot over three days in Lancaster, California, in October 1992.