The title and chorus are based on a Chinese propaganda poster. The slogan "Shiny happy people holding hands" is used ironically - the song was released in 1991, two years after the Tiananmen Square uprising when the Chinese government clamped down on student demonstrators, killing hundreds of them.
Kate Pierson from the B-52s sang backup. She was in demand for her distinctive vocals after the B-52s achieved mainstream success with "Love Shack" in 1989. R.E.M. and The B-52s are both from Athens, Georgia.
This was the second single from the album. A very light, happy song, it was a stark contrast to the very profound "Losing My Religion," which was released first.
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