How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us

"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us" is a song by R.E.M., released as the fourth and final single from their tenth studio album New Adventures in Hi-Fi in 1997. It was released in Germany and Japan.

The primary b-side was an alternate recording of "Be Mine". Other b-sides for the maxi-single include a cover of The Troggs' "Love Is All Around," previously released on the soundtrack for I Shot Andy Warhol (1996) and Vic Chesnutt's "Sponge," previously released on the Chesnutt benefit album Sweet Relief II (1996).

This song was briefly featured in Bowling for Columbine. It was the final R.E.M. single to feature Bill Berry until "#9 Dream" in 2007, and the music video was the last to include Berry.

Track listing

All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe unless otherwise indicated.

1. "How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us" – 4:34
2. "Be Mine" (Mike on the Bus version) – 4:54
3. "Love Is All Around" (Reg Presley) – 3:04
4. "Sponge" (Vic Chesnutt) – 4:08

Personnel

"How the West Was Won and Where It Got Us"

• Bill Berry – drums, tambourine, Ennio whistle
• Peter Buck – bass guitar, guitar, bozouki, mandolin
• Mike Mills – piano, synthesizer, backing vocals
• Michael Stipe – vocals, synthesizer