R.e.m. - Superman Direct

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

While it didn't dominate the main pop charts, it peaked at #17 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart . R.E.M. - Superman

R.E.M.'s "Superman," the final track on their 1986 album , is a rare departure for the band—a bright, power-pop cover of a song originally recorded by the Texas sunshine-pop group The Clique in 1969. Historical Significance & Production 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". It is one of the few cover songs R

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

The track has appeared in several media projects, including an episode of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman and the 2022 film DC League of Super-Pets .