Conversation so far:
how did the lyrics get written?
The song's lyrics do not tell a conventional story, and may instead been seen as a collection of cultural references, images and ideas.
who wrote the lyrics?
Stipe.
what are the lyrics about?
The song's lyrics do not tell a conventional story, and may instead been seen as a collection of cultural references, images and ideas.
what references are there?
There are repeated mentions of Andy Kaufman, including references to his Elvis impersonation and work with wrestlers Fred Blassie and Jerry Lawler.

Question: what else is in the song?
Self-contained rewrite: What else is in the song Man on the Moon other than mentions of Andy Kaufman?