Rezeznik does write some great lyrics on of my favorite lines is from their song "Broadway". "See the young man sitting in the old man's bar waiting for his turn to die.
John Rzeznik was asked "What were you thinking when you chose the name Goo Goo Dolls?" His answer, "We certainly weren't thinking we'd be around for 30 years."
They're originally from Buffalo. You can easily find clips of a performance, for free, that they gave in their hometown about 20 years ago. It was POURING FNG RAIN ALMOST THE ENTIRE SHOW (it was outdoors). They didn't complain, they didn't cancel, they didn't cry like so many divas in the music industry. They just played their hearts out for two plus hours in a monsoon, and tens of thousands of people from their hometown stood in the rain, drenched beyond belief, singing along. It's amazing.
I will say that with certain outdoor setups, it's actually unsafe to play the concert live, and that odds are the instruments they used during that gig can never be played again
That is live in Buffalo New York on the 4th of July in the pouring rain!!!!! They were told to reschedule do to safety concerns and the refused to let us hometown fans down!!!! I was there in the soaking wet sea of humanity!!!
Yep, but the mandolin is tuned like a violin not a guitar, and while the violin has 4 strings, the mandolin's 4 string tones are in pairs; hence 8 strings.
@@carlradon2654I've been watching a lot of these reactions lately. I'm 51 and have been playing mandolin for thirty years. I'm absolutely shocked how many people don't know what a mandolin is! 😂
The Goo Goo Dolls are an incredible group and they have put out some fantastic music over the years. Check out some of their other songs like "Fallin' Down", "Name", "Slide", or "Broadway is Dark Tonight." I think you will really enjoy their music.
This song was written by the Goo Goo Dolls for the movie City of Angels. You should also watch both the music video and the movie. Here is a link to the music video th-cam.com/video/jviS0mvxEXk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=6SPvQIr5pCo-YPfy
This song will always be on my 90's Alternative playlist... Classic.. and yes... those of us who knew of the song did have it on repeat... and still do!
You couldn't escape this song in the late 90s. Feels strange hearing this live version... it's so different from the studio version they played non-stop. Still an emotive masterpiece in either version. Goo Goo Dolls did start out as an alternative rock band in the vein of The Replacements, but after the success of this song they moved towards writing more ballads like this but they never had another hit quite this massive.
they actually were straight up punk in the mid/ late 80s (known as the Sex Maggots), I kid you not. Saw them many times at the now closed Continental in Buffalo.
The Goo's as they are known here in their hometown of Buffalo New York started as a punk rock band!!!! BTW the rugs are usually on stage because bassist Robbie Takac hates things on his feet and prefers barefoot!
You have to know the movie to understand the lyrics. Nicholas Cage is a guardian angel for Meg Ryan. He falls in love with her but she can’t see him or feel his touch. He sacrifices everything to become human and be with her…except that she dies in a tragic accident almost immediately afterwards. This song is his longing for her and ultimately the unrequited love.
@@jeknechtphotography7106 Yep. Based on a film by Wim Wenders called Wings Of Desire which was set in Germany. And its a staggering film. Peter Falk's monologue is unbelievable. He plays the part of the Angel who had fell to earth before Cage's character - his best known line starts "I cant see you, but I can feel you", in the hospital room. Wings Of Desire is a brilliant film, but City Of Angels is a great story in its own right.
The studio version is better and they hit some higher notes. This is my absolute favorite song by them. I can see the scenes in the movie! Make sure you have a tissue if you watch the movie. It’s a good one.
The song is named Iris - as in eye or camera - because he covets what he sees or pictures but does not have the words nor means to express it and shy's away from the attention. People toss the Goo Goo Dolls in post-grunge or punk-rock, though their first album was released in '87. John said "We had a gig and so we had to come up with some kind of a name just to play the show, it's just what they spouted out." The bass player Robby Takac was the original singer and John took over most the vocals by the third album. "A Boy Named Goo" is my favorite album by them because it's so raw, most people will know the songs "Name" and maybe "Naked" the former more acoustic and the second a shear rocker - likely my favorite. One thing I can say is John Rzeznik can write a song...
The original band was a 4 piece and went by the name Adam Von Zipper. Seen them many time at a bar called The Continental on Franklin St in downtown Buffalo.
The Goo Goo Dolls are an excellent group and they have many great songs. This song is my favorite and my wife and I both bought each other framed song lyrics people on Etsy made at the same time without the other knowing it. The song is what we consider “our song”. I’ve actually thought about getting lyrics from this song tattooed on me but decided the framed lyrics were enough lol. Excellent reactions here! There’s many more amazing songs from this group you need to react to.
Lovethe Goo!!!!!! The name of the band was pretty random, as is the name of this song (John took it from a magazine article on Iris Dement he just picked up when pressed for a title). John Rzeznik is a great songwriter and a very witty guy. Love these guys!!! Other great songs include Sympathy, Slide, Name, Come to Me. Iris is one ot the alltime great songs.
I think my favorite thing about this song is that it ended the lead singers years of writers block. Their album, A Boy Named Goo, is another great album. My favorite song by them, Name, is such a great song from the 90's. Another phenomenal reaction.
This song was on the City of Angels soundtrack. It was written for the movie. Great soundtrack. Every song was gorgeous. U2, Alanis Morissette, Paula Cole, Peter Gabriel, Eric Clapton... you can put the soundtrack on and play it all the way through. This version of this song is slightly different. Maybe it is just because I'm use to that version but I like it better than this one. Thank you for the reaction.
"I was thinking about the situation of the Nicolas Cage character in the movie. This guy is completely willing to give up his own immortality, just to be able to feel something very human. And I think, 'Wow! What an amazing thing it must be like to love someone so much that you give up everything to be with them.' That's a pretty heavy thought.
The song name came from a magazine cover. It was written for the movie, "City of Angels" in 1998. It also redefined the band's sound. They have plenty of alt-rock songs.
The Goo Goo Dolls have always been a very underappreciated group. I love all of their songs and if you liked this one, you'll like most every other one of their hits. I don't even try to put them in a genre or classification, I just enjoy their music. Great reaction, you're reactions are wonderful to watch, as always. Keep doing what you're doing and much continued success.
This is alternative Rock, Incredible era of music. . Very heart felt. . song still gives me chills . . Another good one from this time Is "Lightning Crashes" . by A group called "live"
Its one of my all time favorites. You should listen to the studio versions of songs before the live ones because thats how most people know them best. Im very glad you did this song. Also, even though it went with the movie, i feel like the songs more broader meaning is about unrequieted love. Just my take. Love your channel. I watch it daily.❤
It's not "Very poor" it's just not true to the original. The high note is at the absolute limit of Johnny's register and sometimes he chooses to change it like this if his voice isn't feeling up for it. As a singer myself I totally understand why he does it.
You now need to rabbit-hole 'Slide', 'Name', 'Black Balloon', 'Sympathy', 'Here is Gone', 'Better Days', and 'Broadway'. You'll love the lyrics! John Rzeznik is a great songwriter/lyricist.
This song was the theme song for the 1998 movie City of Angels about an Angel that falls in love with a human and he eventually gives up his immortality as an angel to be with her
"I just want you to know who I am". My theme song. My daughter and I have seen the Goo Goo Dolls in concert 4 times. I cry each time I hear this song, and my daughter cries to "Name". More Goo Goo Dolls please. For a truly romantic song about lasting love, listen to "Come To Me".
If you enjoy the mandolin, you should listen to REM’s Losing My Religion. It uses the mandolin as a lead instead of a guitar. Glad you enjoyed this song. Another good song from that era is Collective Soul’s the World I Know.
@Britt. You should hear more music from the mid 90s to the early 2000s. There so many good music of different genres in that period that many today are missing out on.
Awesome reaction to this iconic song and band (imo). I was in my 20's when this song came out and felt every bit of what u were feeling when u watched this... I still do today. It's a timeless human struggle.... Because u loved it so much, I just want u to know that this particular performance was a "watered-down" performance. As others have said. the live in Buffalo NY in 2004 (in the POURING rain) is EPIC... and a true representation of the song and this band. I hope you revisit this one, even if just for yourself. It's even better than this. Peace and light to all...💞
This song was part of the soundtrack for the movie City of Angels. It's a good movie (kind of chick flick) but I really liked it, and this song fits it well. Their song Slide was a big hit and a good song!
This song is the story of the half-dead angel (Nicolas Cage) from the movie City of Angels, and the mortal he falls desperately in love with (Meg Ryan). He feels alive but knows he is not.
Oh my goodness what a beautiful man 😂. Love The Goo Goo Dolls. Some other really goods ones of theirs are Slide, Black Balloon, Name, and Broadway. Great reaction!! 🙂
He named the song Irish because when he was in his hotel room writing it, he saw in the magazine LA WEEKLY that Iris Dement was playing in town. He liked the name. Very random. Lol
I sure wish youd listen to more studio versions/official videos before going to the live takes. Knowing the way a songs was intended to be heard is what can make a live version so special. Without that context, its harder to really appreciate the live version
In my opinion it’s the best song ever written. It’s one of the biggest songs of all time - was the most played song on radio for a then record 18 weeks in 1998 (just broken in 2021). I’m sure others have said it but their band name came from an ad for a Goo Goo Doll because they just needed a name and it stuck. Similar story with Iris - they needed a name for the song so the lead singer/songwriter saw the name of a singer Iris Dement in a magazine and said just call it Iris
The song came at a troubled time in Rzeznik’s life. . “I’m horrible at naming songs,” he says, “so it’s the last thing I do. I was looking through a magazine called LA Weekly and saw that a great singer-songwriter called Iris DeMent was playing in town. I was, like: ‘Wow! What a beautiful name.’
That’s a mandolin. It is chorded and tuned just like a fiddle but has doubled sympathetic and octave strings and is a fretted instrument played with a pick instead of a bow like a fiddle.
This song has a great backstory... it was written for the movie "City of Angels" with Meg Ryan and Nick Cage... But you should check out the studio version or the Live video of them in the rain... He changes the melody a bit in this version... Also, Goo Goo Dolls are a rock band almost a bit punkish in their early music.
Wikipedia-Rzeznik named the song after country folk singer-songwriter Iris DeMent, after he noticed her name in a concert listing in the LA Weekly newspaper
This is from one of my favourite all time movies which I've only ever watched once cause I Just can't watch it again. I don't want to spoil the first impression I have of it, it was so heart brokenly perfect.
Goo goo dolls name came from a true detective magazine ads about a hoo goo doll, they needed a name to perform that night at a show, found magazine ad, took the name
They started as a punk metal band in the 80s and picked the name at random from a toy ad in a magazine and never changed it. They were very popular in the mid 90s through early 2000s. Songs like "Name" "Big Machine" "Dizzy" "Slide" "Here Is Gone" "Sympathy" "Stay With You" "Naked" "All That You Are" and many more...
This song delivers a specific emotion, but it's hard to explain. There's a few groups that use the mandolin - REM used it in "Losing My Religion", it's normally a bluegrass thing, Ricky Skaggs is the master of it (and pretty much anything else with strings).
One of the most gorgeous songs ever written, period. Sung by a man of near-equal beauty. 🤭 It's kinda cool how, when thinking of the story it was written for, the lyrics are quite literal in the context: a guardian angel falling in love with the human woman he is supposed to be guarding while staying unseen. But they're also something many people can relate to in various periods of our lives. All in all, no wonder the song is so universally beloved.
"When everything feels like the movies, and you bleed just to know you're alive." One of the best lyrics ever!
the way he says 'movies' gave me the chills
Rezeznik does write some great lyrics on of my favorite lines is from their song "Broadway". "See the young man sitting in the old man's bar waiting for his turn to die.
Facts!
John Rzeznik was asked "What were you thinking when you chose the name Goo Goo Dolls?" His answer, "We certainly weren't thinking we'd be around for 30 years."
Some of us fore thought. Check out thousand years wedding if you want to see similarities.
They're originally from Buffalo. You can easily find clips of a performance, for free, that they gave in their hometown about 20 years ago. It was POURING FNG RAIN ALMOST THE ENTIRE SHOW (it was outdoors). They didn't complain, they didn't cancel, they didn't cry like so many divas in the music industry. They just played their hearts out for two plus hours in a monsoon, and tens of thousands of people from their hometown stood in the rain, drenched beyond belief, singing along. It's amazing.
I will say that with certain outdoor setups, it's actually unsafe to play the concert live, and that odds are the instruments they used during that gig can never be played again
My favorite version of this song is still the live version where they played it in the pouring rain. It's one of the top one's on TH-cam.
That is live in Buffalo New York on the 4th of July in the pouring rain!!!!! They were told to reschedule do to safety concerns and the refused to let us hometown fans down!!!! I was there in the soaking wet sea of humanity!!!
Truly one of the best things I've seen on TH-cam.
Legendary!
Has to be one of the best live performances of all time
I agree ! The whole concert is amazing, you could tell the band was having a lot of fun, even in the rain.
That instrument is just a mandolin. Like Ukeleles, they can be shaped into different models (like tiny models of 8 string guitar).
Yep, but the mandolin is tuned like a violin not a guitar, and while the violin has 4 strings, the mandolin's 4 string tones are in pairs; hence 8 strings.
@@carlradon2654I've been watching a lot of these reactions lately. I'm 51 and have been playing mandolin for thirty years. I'm absolutely shocked how many people don't know what a mandolin is! 😂
Oh, you DEFINITELY need to hear the studio version. It sounds so good with headphones on.
The Goo Goo Dolls are an incredible group and they have put out some fantastic music over the years. Check out some of their other songs like "Fallin' Down", "Name", "Slide", or "Broadway is Dark Tonight." I think you will really enjoy their music.
Name is good yes, agreed, I remember that one
This song was written by the Goo Goo Dolls for the movie City of Angels. You should also watch both the music video and the movie. Here is a link to the music video th-cam.com/video/jviS0mvxEXk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=6SPvQIr5pCo-YPfy
This song will always be on my 90's Alternative playlist... Classic.. and yes... those of us who knew of the song did have it on repeat... and still do!
I haven't seen that movie in years. Thanks for the reminder.
Worst ending to a movie ever (that I've seen). Movie was great up til the end. Will never watch it again.
I love that movie.
check out the original movies that it is based on first, both by Wim Wenders, "Far Away, So Close" and "Wings Of Desire"
You couldn't escape this song in the late 90s. Feels strange hearing this live version... it's so different from the studio version they played non-stop. Still an emotive masterpiece in either version. Goo Goo Dolls did start out as an alternative rock band in the vein of The Replacements, but after the success of this song they moved towards writing more ballads like this but they never had another hit quite this massive.
they actually were straight up punk in the mid/
late 80s (known as the Sex Maggots), I kid you not. Saw them many times at the now closed Continental in Buffalo.
I think this is the most played song on American radio of all time, or was last time I checked
@@neilpatrickhairless Wouldn't surprise me. Great username btw!
This version is like 8 or 9 years after the song was released, Johns voice got a lot deeper
The radio version is pretty cool with strings in the background as well
David Campbell (Beck's Dad) arranged the strings
@@neilpatrickhairless awesome
Check out the song, "Slide" by the Goo Goo Dolls.
The Goo's as they are known here in their hometown of Buffalo New York started as a punk rock band!!!! BTW the rugs are usually on stage because bassist Robbie Takac hates things on his feet and prefers barefoot!
You have to know the movie to understand the lyrics. Nicholas Cage is a guardian angel for Meg Ryan. He falls in love with her but she can’t see him or feel his touch. He sacrifices everything to become human and be with her…except that she dies in a tragic accident almost immediately afterwards. This song is his longing for her and ultimately the unrequited love.
City of Angels correct?
Yes, I was referencing City of Angels (which was loosely based on the German film Desire of Angels).@@jeknechtphotography7106
@@jeknechtphotography7106 Yep. Based on a film by Wim Wenders called Wings Of Desire which was set in Germany. And its a staggering film. Peter Falk's monologue is unbelievable. He plays the part of the Angel who had fell to earth before Cage's character - his best known line starts "I cant see you, but I can feel you", in the hospital room.
Wings Of Desire is a brilliant film, but City Of Angels is a great story in its own right.
The studio version is better and they hit some higher notes. This is my absolute favorite song by them. I can see the scenes in the movie! Make sure you have a tissue if you watch the movie. It’s a good one.
The song is named Iris - as in eye or camera - because he covets what he sees or pictures but does not have the words nor means to express it and shy's away from the attention.
People toss the Goo Goo Dolls in post-grunge or punk-rock, though their first album was released in '87. John said "We had a gig and so we had to come up with some kind of a name just to play the show, it's just what they spouted out." The bass player Robby Takac was the original singer and John took over most the vocals by the third album.
"A Boy Named Goo" is my favorite album by them because it's so raw, most people will know the songs "Name" and maybe "Naked" the former more acoustic and the second a shear rocker - likely my favorite. One thing I can say is John Rzeznik can write a song...
The original band was a 4 piece and went by the name Adam Von Zipper. Seen them many time at a bar called The Continental on Franklin St in downtown Buffalo.
Absolutley stunningly Beautiful song. Close to perfect.
I believe it!
Goo Goo Dolls (both the toy & the band) are from Buffalo. It's a rubber toy doll and when you squeeze it the eyes bulge out.
Thanks for that! I learn something new everyday!
I was so excited to see your reaction for this song. I knew it would be special! 😊
Hope you enjoyed it!
Its a Mandolin... Used a lot in country and bluegrass music
Oh wow thank you!
The Goo Goo Dolls are an excellent group and they have many great songs. This song is my favorite and my wife and I both bought each other framed song lyrics people on Etsy made at the same time without the other knowing it. The song is what we consider “our song”. I’ve actually thought about getting lyrics from this song tattooed on me but decided the framed lyrics were enough lol. Excellent reactions here! There’s many more amazing songs from this group you need to react to.
This song was absolutely massive when it came out.
Such a class band. Wish I could hear this song for the first time again.
I've always loved this song
This song was everywhere in the late 90s and early 2000s. It was a bit overplayed, but I actually enjoy hearing it more now.
Lovethe Goo!!!!!! The name of the band was pretty random, as is the name of this song (John took it from a magazine article on Iris Dement he just picked up when pressed for a title). John Rzeznik is a great songwriter and a very witty guy. Love these guys!!! Other great songs include Sympathy, Slide, Name, Come to Me. Iris is one ot the alltime great songs.
This song was on the City of Angels soundtrack. Not a bad soundtrack, also having Alanis Morisette's Uninvited.
I think my favorite thing about this song is that it ended the lead singers years of writers block. Their album, A Boy Named Goo, is another great album. My favorite song by them, Name, is such a great song from the 90's.
Another phenomenal reaction.
Thousand years wedding song and and iris are the same song.
The instrument is a mandolin and this is a great song featured in a great movie city of angels
This song is perfection. It grabs me every time I hear it. It was amazing in "City of Angels".
Iris" is a song by American alternative rock band Goo Goo Dolls. Originally written for the soundtrack of the 1998 film City of Angels,
This song was on the City of Angels soundtrack. It was written for the movie. Great soundtrack. Every song was gorgeous. U2, Alanis Morissette, Paula Cole, Peter Gabriel, Eric Clapton... you can put the soundtrack on and play it all the way through. This version of this song is slightly different. Maybe it is just because I'm use to that version but I like it better than this one. Thank you for the reaction.
"I was thinking about the situation of the Nicolas Cage character in the movie. This guy is completely willing to give up his own immortality, just to be able to feel something very human. And I think, 'Wow! What an amazing thing it must be like to love someone so much that you give up everything to be with them.' That's a pretty heavy thought.
one. f the best story told and movies ever made City of Angels
The song “black balloon” is one of my favorites from the Goo Goo Dolls!
The song name came from a magazine cover. It was written for the movie, "City of Angels" in 1998. It also redefined the band's sound. They have plenty of alt-rock songs.
The Goo Goo Dolls have always been a very underappreciated group.
I love all of their songs and if you liked this one, you'll like most every other one of their hits.
I don't even try to put them in a genre or classification, I just enjoy their music.
Great reaction, you're reactions are wonderful to watch, as always.
Keep doing what you're doing and much continued success.
The live version where they’re playing in the rain is epic.
This is alternative Rock, Incredible era of music. . Very heart felt. . song still gives me chills . . Another good one from this time Is "Lightning Crashes" . by A group called "live"
Its one of my all time favorites. You should listen to the studio versions of songs before the live ones because thats how most people know them best. Im very glad you did this song. Also, even though it went with the movie, i feel like the songs more broader meaning is about unrequieted love. Just my take. Love your channel. I watch it daily.❤
This is actually a very poor version of the song. The version recorded for the album is sung completely differently and is much better.
Exaggerated opinion here. He decided to see in a lower key, but still great.
It's not "Very poor" it's just not true to the original. The high note is at the absolute limit of Johnny's register and sometimes he chooses to change it like this if his voice isn't feeling up for it. As a singer myself I totally understand why he does it.
A song like this will never age
Yes, 90's rock band and they do have some pretty heavy upbeat songs as well.
You now need to rabbit-hole 'Slide', 'Name', 'Black Balloon', 'Sympathy', 'Here is Gone', 'Better Days', and 'Broadway'. You'll love the lyrics! John Rzeznik is a great songwriter/lyricist.
Tim Pierce played the mandolin and slide guitar solo on the studio version of this song. Killer player
This song was the theme song for the 1998 movie City of Angels about an Angel that falls in love with a human and he eventually gives up his immortality as an angel to be with her
Great song, you need to watch the Actual video 😊
"I just want you to know who I am". My theme song. My daughter and I have seen the Goo Goo Dolls in concert 4 times. I cry each time I hear this song, and my daughter cries to "Name". More Goo Goo Dolls please. For a truly romantic song about lasting love, listen to "Come To Me".
A Mandolin ,i believe ?
If you enjoy the mandolin, you should listen to REM’s Losing My Religion. It uses the mandolin as a lead instead of a guitar. Glad you enjoyed this song. Another good song from that era is Collective Soul’s the World I Know.
Another good Goo Goo Dolls performance I enjoy is "NAME-Sound FX 1995"
One of the better 90s songs.
I've always liked how Johnny R sings this song.
@Britt. You should hear more music from the mid 90s to the early 2000s. There so many good music of different genres in that period that many today are missing out on.
Awesome reaction to this iconic song and band (imo). I was in my 20's when this song came out and felt every bit of what u were feeling when u watched this... I still do today. It's a timeless human struggle....
Because u loved it so much, I just want u to know that this particular performance was a "watered-down" performance.
As others have said. the live in Buffalo NY in 2004 (in the POURING rain) is EPIC... and a true representation of the song and this band. I hope you revisit this one, even if just for yourself. It's even better than this. Peace and light to all...💞
Dig your cap. I love your genuine reaction to this song. Yes, truly a moving masterpiece of music.
It was on replay for me when I was a teenager in the late 90's! Lots of love from Sweden
As someone raised with out parents i love their song "Name"
LadyBlue77 Cheers to you! You are stronger than we know
You need to watch City of Angels to understand why the song has that “moodiness”. Love your channel!!!
This song was part of the soundtrack for the movie City of Angels. It's a good movie (kind of chick flick) but I really liked it, and this song fits it well.
Their song Slide was a big hit and a good song!
This song is the story of the half-dead angel (Nicolas Cage) from the movie City of Angels, and the mortal he falls desperately in love with (Meg Ryan). He feels alive but knows he is not.
I saw them outdoors on a perfect summer night in ATL. They were exceptional.
Please watch the original official video. The vocals go higher and are more pleading because of it. Packs a punch.
John was tasked with writing a song for a movie and he said that this song just came to him and was effortless and just flowed from him.
I saw this band in a cozy venue and got close. They are so good. They have a live album in Buffalo. Soooo good.
You should definitely listen to the studio version too! He's taking down the notes in this live version. ❤
Now check The Goo Goo Dolls song called Name
Oh my goodness what a beautiful man 😂. Love The Goo Goo Dolls. Some other really goods ones of theirs are Slide, Black Balloon, Name, and Broadway. Great reaction!! 🙂
He named the song Irish because when he was in his hotel room writing it, he saw in the magazine LA WEEKLY that Iris Dement was playing in town. He liked the name. Very random. Lol
The live in Buffalo performance is legend.
And this version was very dialed down vocally...hope you listen to the studio one so you can hear them reach the higher notes while the music revs up!
Black balloon and lazy eye. Great songs .
I sure wish youd listen to more studio versions/official videos before going to the live takes. Knowing the way a songs was intended to be heard is what can make a live version so special. Without that context, its harder to really appreciate the live version
In my opinion it’s the best song ever written. It’s one of the biggest songs of all time - was the most played song on radio for a then record 18 weeks in 1998 (just broken in 2021). I’m sure others have said it but their band name came from an ad for a Goo Goo Doll because they just needed a name and it stuck. Similar story with Iris - they needed a name for the song so the lead singer/songwriter saw the name of a singer Iris Dement in a magazine and said just call it Iris
The small guitar like instrument is a mandolin.
Summer of 98, what a time to be alive!!
Studio version is way better because he takes it way higher on the chorus.
yeah, john couldn't go higher in this as he was a lot older
The song came at a troubled time in Rzeznik’s life. . “I’m horrible at naming songs,” he says, “so it’s the last thing I do. I was looking through a magazine called LA Weekly and saw that a great singer-songwriter called Iris DeMent was playing in town. I was, like: ‘Wow! What a beautiful name.’
One of the biggest bands of the nineties... They were prolific in movie soundtracks and on the radio..✌️
ok alright so we're just gonna bring the goo goo dolls into it and make a mfer cry in the middle of he afternoon huh
That’s a mandolin. It is chorded and tuned just like a fiddle but has doubled sympathetic and octave strings and is a fretted instrument played with a pick instead of a bow like a fiddle.
Love this song, it was the song with many girlfriends around 98-99
This live version is cool but i rather the studio one it focuses on the lead singer voice more.
This song has a great backstory... it was written for the movie "City of Angels" with Meg Ryan and Nick Cage... But you should check out the studio version or the Live video of them in the rain... He changes the melody a bit in this version... Also, Goo Goo Dolls are a rock band almost a bit punkish in their early music.
The video of them playing this song in a concert in the rain is a better performance than this live studio performance.
Wikipedia-Rzeznik named the song after country folk singer-songwriter Iris DeMent, after he noticed her name in a concert listing in the LA Weekly newspaper
I know people are saying this, but you need to watch the movie music video version of this!
This is from one of my favourite all time movies which I've only ever watched once cause I Just can't watch it again. I don't want to spoil the first impression I have of it, it was so heart brokenly perfect.
Goo goo dolls name came from a true detective magazine ads about a hoo goo doll, they needed a name to perform that night at a show, found magazine ad, took the name
Try the song LONG WAY DOWN for a more rockin' song from them. You will love it. Enjoy
Boyz II men does an amazing cover of this song. They performed it on Jimmy Fallon
It is a Mandolin. Steve Earl played one in Copperhead Road.
Please watch the movie (City of Angels). The song will make so much more sense.
the best Recording of this song was Live in Buffalo NY where he sang the song in the pouring rain was the best!! Super poetic
They started as a punk metal band in the 80s and picked the name at random from a toy ad in a magazine and never changed it. They were very popular in the mid 90s through early 2000s. Songs like
"Name"
"Big Machine"
"Dizzy"
"Slide"
"Here Is Gone"
"Sympathy"
"Stay With You"
"Naked"
"All That You Are" and many more...
This song is one of my top 5 all time favorites. The live in Buffalo is simply beyond words. Top tier concert performance.
Oh you should see that one concert where it was raining and they're doing this song..
This song delivers a specific emotion, but it's hard to explain. There's a few groups that use the mandolin - REM used it in "Losing My Religion", it's normally a bluegrass thing, Ricky Skaggs is the master of it (and pretty much anything else with strings).
You should do a movie reaction to The City of Angels which this song is from.
You should have reacted to Iris live in Buffalo. One of the best songs and life performances❤️
You really need to listen to the studio version. This is good but the studio version is great.
One of the most gorgeous songs ever written, period. Sung by a man of near-equal beauty. 🤭
It's kinda cool how, when thinking of the story it was written for, the lyrics are quite literal in the context: a guardian angel falling in love with the human woman he is supposed to be guarding while staying unseen. But they're also something many people can relate to in various periods of our lives.
All in all, no wonder the song is so universally beloved.
He wrote this song for the movie city of angels but at the same time he was going through somethings relationship wise