Iris Lyrics - The Goo Goo Dolls

About “Iris”

“Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls is a heartfelt ballad featured on their 1998 album Dizzy Up the Girl. The song, produced by Rob Cavallo and The Goo Goo Dolls, was written for the film "City of Angels" and became one of the band's most iconic tracks.The song "City of Angels" is a parallel to the plot of Nicolas Cage's movie, where his angel character becomes human and sacrifices immortality for love. The song highlights the special connection between the angel and his human lover, making him feel closer to heaven. The narrator in the song is giving up his immortality to be with his human lover, despite knowing that humans die soon or later. This sentiment conveys a feeling of being outcast and excluded by society, especially for gay people.

Despite the impermanence of relationships, the speaker continues to seek a relationship with her, showing that love exists even when it is not eternal. He knows that love will eventually break, but he still wants her to know who he is, regardless of the circumstances. This shows true love and the importance of fighting through difficult patches in a relationship.

The song also references Tyler Durden's Fight Club, where he burns the main character's hand with a chemical to prove that without pain, we are dead. Being close to realizing that things can be within one's reach is peaceful, and showing one's true self and being acknowledged brings satisfaction and joy. Overall, the song serves as a reminder of the importance of love and the power of love to change lives.

• Album: Dizzy Up the Girl (1998)


• Release Date: April 1, 1998


• Producers: Rob Cavallo and The Goo Goo Dolls


• Writer: John Rzeznik


• Label: Reprise Records and Warner Records


• Recorded At: American Sound Studios

Annotations and Meaning.

[Verse 1]

The first verse conveys great longing and a strong emotional connection. The singer would give up eternity to be able to touch the one he loves, demonstrating the depth of his feelings for them. The sentence "You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be" emphasizes the intensity of his emotions.

[Verse 2]

In the second verse, the singer appreciates the current moment and the sense of being with his love. The fear of the moment ending and the desire not to miss them highlight the fragility and value of their time together.

[Chorus]

The chorus expresses vulnerability and a longing to understand. The musician does not want the public to see him because he believes they will not comprehend his emotions. He understands that everything is fleeting and shattered, yet he wants his beloved to know his true nature.

[Verse 3]

This stanza emphasizes the emotional battle and yearning for honesty. The artist recognizes the challenge of conveying genuine feelings, as well as the hard fact that life may sometimes feel like a movie, complete with heightened emotions and sensations. The agony he feels acts as a reminder that he is actually alive.

[Chorus]

The chorus repeats, stressing the themes of vulnerability and longing for his loves to genuinely understand him.

[Outro]

The outro reiterates the beloved's desire to know who he is, reinforcing the song's fundamental message of wanting genuine connection and understanding.

[Context and Cultural Impact].

"Iris" was written for the 1998 film "City of Angels," starring Nicolas Cage. The Goo Goo Dolls' main vocalist, John Rzeznik, penned the song from the perspective of Cage's character, who is willing to give up immortality in order to experience human feelings and love. This profound topic strikes a deep chord with listeners, adding to the song's long-term influence.

The song became one of The Goo Goo Dolls' most successful singles, outperforming the film for which it was composed. Its powerful lyrics and expressive delivery have made "Iris" an enduring favorite, with many musicians covering it and including it in many media.

"Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls is a classic ballad that encapsulates the essence of profound emotional connection and the need for true understanding. Its complex lyrics and heartbreaking melody continue to captivate listeners worldwide.