For the Love of "Iris"

“Iris” is a massively popular love song that was written for the “City of Angels” soundtrack and was included on the Goo Goo Dolls’ sixth album, Dizzy Up the Girl, in 1998. In October 2012, “Iris” was ranked number one on Billboard’s “Top 100 Pop Songs 1992–2012” chart. You are, no doubt, familiar with the song.

I loved “Iris” the first time I heard it and still do. It is not a guilty pleasure; it is simply a pleasure.

“But Jeff, you are known for your love of punk, alt, and indie music, and you’re pretty annoying about it. Why this song?”

I don’t know, maybe because it’s the greatest rock ballad ever, and I never tire of it? It’s pretty, the mandolin and strings are perfect, it builds up majestically, there’s a lovely little guitar solo (and I don’t usually like guitar solos), and the yearning vocals are spot-on for what the song is trying to convey. What’s not to love?

The lyrics? Okay, a bit much here and there, but c’mon, it’s a ballad! And this guy really digs this chick. Let him taste, breathe, and bleed all he wants.

Johnny’s “The Rachel” hairdo? Okay, that is definitely a fair point. But, you know, we all had great hair back then, no regrets.

Young Jeff was a huge fan of The Goos (that’s what I call them sometimes, especially around other mega fans) in the 1990s. The Goo Goo Dolls/Soul Asylum double bill at the Troc in Philly in 1993 was one of my favorite shows of the decade, and I saw a ton of amazing “very 90s” concerts.

Speaking of, in this verse:

And I don’t want the world to see me‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understandWhen everything’s made to be broken…”

I am convinced “made to be broken” is a nod/homage to the title of the second full-length album by Soul Asylum. I am too lazy to confirm this.

If you are still on the fence about the band or do not like them, I get it, but here’s a little playlist I made that might sway you. Press play and enjoy as you continue to read the rest of this article (you’re almost done).

A Very Good Good Goo Goo Dolls Playlist

The Goos delivered four solid records in the 90s, and I was happy for the band when they caught fire and hit the big time with “Name,” “Slide,” “Iris,” “Black Balloon,” and other gems that you will inevitably hear whenever you book your follow-up dental appointment.

The boys progressed from their early punk roots and found their niche (mid-tempo adult contemporary love songs) and ran with it, good for them. I fire up some recent concert videos on the ‘Tube every so often, and while I’m sad they don’t play any of their early bangers, I dig the nostalgia and enjoy watching the audience of 80% women singing along and losing their marbles (wishing I was there with them).

About ten years ago, I argued my case that “Iris” was a “good song” on stage in front of many hipster music snobs at the Good Good Comedy Theater in Philly (RIP), and despite my well-researched presentation, the audience did not agree with me. They were very bad people.

Why am I telling you all of this? I guess I just want you to know who I am.

Viva la Iris!

What’s your favorite insanely popular song?

Comment below.