Written in early 1966 by Byrds member
Jim McGuinn, the song was—along with "
5D (Fifth Dimension)"—one of two
science fiction-themed songs on the
Fifth Dimension album. Musically, "Mr. Spaceman" has a
country-style backing, albeit with touches of
psychedelia, and can clearly be seen as a precursor to the band's later exploration of
country music on
Sweetheart of the Rodeo. As such, the song has been cited by critics as one of the earliest examples of
country rock. The title also recalled that of the Byrds' earlier worldwide smash hit and debut single, "
Mr. Tambourine Man". The single release of the song was accompanied by a spoof
press announcement from the Byrds' co-manager, Eddie Tickner, stating that he had taken out a $1,000,000
insurance policy with
Lloyd's of London against his clients being kidnapped by extraterrestrial visitors. Despite Tickner's statement being an obvious publicity stunt and the deliberately tongue-in-cheek nature of the song's lyrics, both McGuinn and fellow band member
David Crosby felt hopeful about communicating with alien life forms through the medium of
AM radio broadcast.
Cash Box said that it is "a quick moving, infectious, happy-go-lucky ditty with the
UFO scene as its theme," and which it expected would be a hit.
Record World said it is "cute and singalongable" with a "bouncy, jaunty melody." ==Post-release==