“The Great Beyond” was written for the 1999 film Man on the Moon starring Jim Carrey, and was released as a single from the film’s soundtrack album. The film took its name from R.E.M.’s 1992 hit “Man on the Moon”.

“The Great Beyond” is a slightly more abstract tribute to Andy Kaufman, the surreal prankster and “song-and-dance man” famous for his Elvis impersonation, wrestling feuds, and reading The Great Gatsby to bewildered audiences.

The song itself was a minor hit in the US, peaking in 57 on the Billboard Hot 100; but was a huge hit in the UK, where it peaked at #3 on the UK Singles charts, becoming the highest charting song ever for the band.