I've become obsessed with this song...and from my understanding, this song is about many different elements. Andy Kaufman, of course - but not completely - Stipe being very spiritual himself, Buddhist, he can relate and understand Kaufman's Transcendental Meditation. I also think Stipe discusses the cycle of media, from what a human being in Hollywood can become through image, that which is something that is idolized, unknown to most of the world..most of the world never knew the real Andy Kaufman. They knew what Andy wanted people to percieve of him - a created image that was mass distributed, sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worse, but always for a purpose. This is true for most - to use a broad term - entertainers - in the world, and also a part of daily life. We are who we choose to be around people. It is a heavy burden when you're in the spotlight, feeling like you constantly have to entertain people and be your most famous persona. "I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs" & "Over my shoulder piano falls/crash into the ground" Is the embodiment of that, but it is also a "fuck you", giving it up, looking for something stable, sincere and the human search for truth in the universe. Perhaps some of these lyrics are meant in a romantic sense - we're all just debating here - but I've always found this song as more of relating to other human beings in the most purest form of love, that we're all in this together, looking out for your fellow man/woman, appreciating each other. Making sure our actions, thoughts, words are all considered with love and positive energy. It's a great song for turning your life around, seeking enlightenment and taking chances in your life.
I've become obsessed with this song...and from my understanding, this song is about many different elements. Andy Kaufman, of course - but not completely - Stipe being very spiritual himself, Buddhist, he can relate and understand Kaufman's Transcendental Meditation. I also think Stipe discusses the cycle of media, from what a human being in Hollywood can become through image, that which is something that is idolized, unknown to most of the world..most of the world never knew the real Andy Kaufman. They knew what Andy wanted people to percieve of him - a created image that was mass distributed, sometimes for the best, sometimes for the worse, but always for a purpose. This is true for most - to use a broad term - entertainers - in the world, and also a part of daily life. We are who we choose to be around people. It is a heavy burden when you're in the spotlight, feeling like you constantly have to entertain people and be your most famous persona. "I'm pushing an elephant up the stairs" & "Over my shoulder piano falls/crash into the ground" Is the embodiment of that, but it is also a "fuck you", giving it up, looking for something stable, sincere and the human search for truth in the universe. Perhaps some of these lyrics are meant in a romantic sense - we're all just debating here - but I've always found this song as more of relating to other human beings in the most purest form of love, that we're all in this together, looking out for your fellow man/woman, appreciating each other. Making sure our actions, thoughts, words are all considered with love and positive energy. It's a great song for turning your life around, seeking enlightenment and taking chances in your life.