R.e.m. - — Superman

The song features a distinct, scratchy spoken-word intro in Japanese. This was provided by a pull-string Godzilla toy belonging to the band. Thematic & Lyrical Content

Uncharacteristically, bass player Mike Mills sings lead vocals instead of Michael Stipe. Stipe reportedly felt the song didn't fit his vocal style or the band's serious image at the time, though he eventually embraced it. R.E.M. - Superman

While it didn't dominate the main pop charts, it peaked at #17 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart . The song features a distinct, scratchy spoken-word intro

Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics are often interpreted as "slightly stalkerish". The protagonist believes he has X-ray vision and can "see right through" a woman to know she doesn't love her current partner, declaring he will find her even if she is "a million miles away". Stipe reportedly felt the song didn't fit his

Released on Life's Rich Pageant , the song marked a shift for Michael Stipe toward more "loud and clear" vocals after the "murmuring" style of their earlier records. Chart Performance & Legacy

It is one of the few cover songs R.E.M. included on a studio album during their I.R.S. Records era.