I don't like most of this band's stuff, but "Man on the Moon" is way cool.
I always did like Peter Lawrence Buck as a lead guitarist, just was not generally fond of Michael Stipe's vocals. The "wild west" effects are cool, and Buck sounds a little reminiscent of Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Both are outstanding in this song. The lyrics can be taken many ways, but I think it was more a tribute to the natural curiosity and "goofing" that was Andy Kaufman's trademark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLxpNiF0YKs