* Johnny Rzeznik - Vocals, guitar (Founding member)
* Robby Takac - Vocals, bass (Founding member)
* Mike Malinin - Drums (Hired in 1995, made official member in 1998)
Founded in Buffalo, New York, the Goo Goo Dolls, who were then known as the "Sex Maggots," initially consisted of John Rzeznik, Robby Takac, and George Tutuska. The band changed their name to the Goo Goo Dolls (the name was picked out from an ad in a True Detective magazine) at the request of a local club owner who refused to let them play otherwise. They were originally signed on by Metal Blade Records, and they released their self-titled debut album in 1987.
In their early career, they were often dismissed by critics as " The Replacements wannabes." While they were embraced by college radio and the local punk scene (Playing such venues as CBGB's), especially after the release of their third album, Hold Me Up (1990), it was not until 1995, with the release of their single "Name," (from the album A Boy Named Goo) that the Goo Goo Dolls experienced any commercial success. Their mainstream success, however, was bittersweet as they faced a lengthy legal battle with Metal Blade Records over royalties that were being withheld from the band; hence, the Goos eventually switched to Metal Blade's parent company, Warner Brothers. In 1998, "Iris" was released on the City of Angels soundtrack, and the Goos were propelled to stardom, as the song stayed on the Billboard charts at number one for 18 weeks and was nominated for three Grammys that year. The song was also included on their fifth album, "Dizzy Up the Girl," which was released that same year.
As of February 2007, The Goo Goo Dolls broke the record of having the most top 10 songs on the AC Charts, with 12 top 10 hits! Beating out Matchbox 20 and Sheryl Crow with only 10 hits.
Another Second Time Around
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess those stormy gray skies simply couldn't last
And now I find myself tugging at your dress
The thought of holding you down or seeing you frown is never gonna pass
Somewhere there's a place a soul can never go
Gray like stormy skies I hoped you didn't know
All on postcards full of things I won't forget
Another second time around I've been running from ya
Another second time around
Another second, one more second time I waited for ya
Another second time around
Couldn't help myself
I felt like everything was gonna pass
It was an awkward time
I hoped it wouldn't, hoped it couldn't last
And I didn't know exactly what to say
About the things you saw me do my evil way
And I know you're lying crying in your bed
While I'm all tired out so wired out it's ringing in my head
Another second time around I've been running from ya
Another second time around
Another second, one more second time I waited for ya
Another second time around
The Goo Goo Dolls' "Another Second Time Around" is a song about trying to escape one's past mistakes and finding solace in the present. The opening line "happy smiling crying all put to my past" suggests that the singer has experienced a range of emotions in the past and is now ready to move on from them. They acknowledge that the stormy gray skies of their past are not sustainable, and they are now focused on being with the person they care about.
The second verse paints a picture of a place where one's soul cannot go, indicating that the singer has left a part of themselves behind. The postcards with things they won't forget symbolize memories that they carry with them. The laughing clown is a reference to the facade that the singer puts up to hide their pain.
The chorus of "Another second time around, I've been running from ya" highlights the idea that although the singer is trying to escape their past, they keep finding themselves back in the same place. The second time around could refer to a second chance at love or life, but it also suggests that the singer keeps revisiting their past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy smiling crying all put to my past
I have moved on from all my past emotions including happiness, sadness, and tears.
I guess those stormy gray skies simply couldn't last
My past troubles and worries have faded away just like how the dark stormy clouds disappear over time.
And now I find myself tugging at your dress
I realize that I need you here with me now more than ever.
The thought of holding you down or seeing you frown is never gonna pass
I cannot stand the thought of causing any pain or discomfort to you.
Somewhere there's a place a soul can never go
There are some places in life that we can never return to, they are only present in our memories.
Gray like stormy skies I hoped you didn't know
My past is filled with sorrow and hardships that I kept hidden from you.
All on postcards full of things I won't forget
I have kept a record of all the memories and events that have shaped me into who I am today.
And now it's coming down that laughing clown is all I ever get
Despite my best efforts, all I have ever been is a jester, trying to make others happy without any real emotional fulfillment.
Another second time around I've been running from ya
I have been avoiding facing my true feelings for you and have been running away from them instead.
Another second, one more second time I waited for ya
I have been waiting for another chance to make things right between us.
Couldn't help myself
I was unable to control my actions and emotions.
I felt like everything was gonna pass
I feared that everything I held dear was too temporary and fleeting.
It was an awkward time
The period of our relationship was filled with uncertainty and discomfort.
I hoped it wouldn't, hoped it couldn't last
I prayed that our time together would endure despite the obstacles that stood in our way.
And I didn't know exactly what to say
I struggled to find the right words to express my emotions and thoughts.
About the things you saw me do my evil way
I am ashamed of the mistakes and wrongdoings I have committed in the past.
And I know you're lying crying in your bed
I am aware that my actions have caused you grief and tears.
While I'm all tired out so wired out it's ringing in my head
I am mentally and emotionally drained from the weight of my regrets and past mistakes.
Contributed by Blake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.