In the not-too-distant future-
Next Sunday A.D.-
There was a guy named Joel,
Not too different from you or me.
He worked at Gizmonic Institute,
Just another face in a red jumpsuit.
He did a good job cleaning up the place,
But his bosses didn't like him
So they shot him into space.

We'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst we can find.
He'll have to sit and watch them all,
And we'll monitor his mind.
Now keep in mind Joel can't control
Where the movies begin or end
Because he used those special parts
To make his robot friends.

Robot Roll Call:
Cambot!
Gypsy!
Tom Servo!
Croooow!

If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
and other science facts (la la la),
Then repeat to yourself, "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Man or Astro-man?'s song Mystery Science Theater 3000 Love Theme describe the premise of the TV show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K). In the not-too-distant future, a man named Joel is shot into space by his bosses at the Gizmonic Institute, who don't like him. Joel is then sent cheesy movies, which he has to watch while being monitored by those who sent him there. Joel can't control where the movies begin or end, but he's accompanied by his robot friends: Cambot, Gypsy, Tom Servo, and Croooow.

The chorus of the song addresses the common question of how Joel is able to survive in space and keep himself alive while watching terrible movies. The response is to remember that it's just a show and to relax. The song emphasizes the humor and absurdity of the show's concept, which has become beloved by fans for its witty commentary and creative use of puppets and practical effects.

Overall, the lyrics to Man or Astro-man?'s song Mystery Science Theater 3000 Love Theme capture the essence of MST3K - a show that combines science fiction, comedy, and film criticism. The song celebrates the show's unique approach to entertainment and encourages viewers to embrace the fun and silliness of watching bad movies with their friends.

Line by Line Meaning

In the not-too-distant future-
In a world not too different than our own but set in a future time

Next Sunday A.D.-
Beginning on Sunday of the current week in the year 2045 AD

There was a guy named Joel,
Introducing the singer of the story, Joel Robinson

Not too different from you or me.
Joel is just an average person like the audience watching the show

He worked at Gizmonic Institute,
Joel's place of employment prior to being shot into space

Just another face in a red jumpsuit.
Joel was an ordinary worker at the Institute and wore the same uniform as everyone else

He did a good job cleaning up the place,
Joel was an efficient cleaner and looked after the Institute

But his bosses didn't like him
Joel's superiors had some sort of dislike for him

So they shot him into space.
Joel was sent into space against his will as part of an experiment by his bosses

We'll send him cheesy movies,
Joel will be sent terrible movies to watch in space

The worst we can find.
The movies he'll receive will be incredibly bad

He'll have to sit and watch them all,
Joel is forced to watch every second of these movies

And we'll monitor his mind.
His captors will watch his mental state while he's menaced with endless bad cinema

Now keep in mind Joel can't control
Joel has no control over the movies being shown to him

Where the movies begin or end
Joel has no say in when the movies start or finish

Because he used those special parts
Joel used specific mechanical components to create his robot friends

To make his robot friends.
Joel created robots to assist him in his space life

Robot Roll Call:
Introducing Joel's robot compatriots

Cambot!
Introducing the camera robot, Cambot

Gypsy!
Introducing the supercomputer robot, Gypsy

Tom Servo!
Introducing the red robot with a high-pitched voice, Tom Servo

Croooow!
Introducing the wisecracking black robot, Crow

If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
If you're confused about how Joel is surviving

and other science facts (la la la),
Other scientific details that aren't important to the story

Then repeat to yourself, "It's just a show,
Don't take it too seriously, it's just a TV show

I should really just relax
Just enjoy the experience and don't worry about the logic

For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"
This is the title of the show and Joel's predicament is what the show is all about

Contributed by Liam A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

@LarryLeeMoniz

4y↑7

I love that in season 10 of MST3K when Joel returns for a visit to the SOL, he gives a shout out to the band!

@otopico

12y↑15

This is one of the best cd ever made. Come for the MST3K, stay because Man or Astroman kicks ass.

@theorupturetan4670

7y↑8

This cover actually was my first experience with MST3k and through this I gained an interest in the show and now it's one of my favourites of all time.