* 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.
Bullet Proof
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never live for someone else
Do you like the way you feel?
Nothing hurts when no one's real
She wants to shake this scene
Yeah, she wants to shake with me
She's not looking for the holes in all their lies
Would you like to lose control?
I won't let you fall until you tell me so
What are we?
(Whatcha wanna be?)
Everything
(That ya wanna be)
All I need
(Right in front of me)
I've know before
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Would you come my way
Should have listened when you called my name
Yeah, she wants to tear you down
And she leaves without a sound
It's like fallin' backwards into no one's arms
You're a bullet through my soul
And I'll never let you know
I won't let you fall until you let it go
What are we?
(Whatcha wanna be?)
Everything
(That ya wanna be)
All I need
(Right in front of me)
I've know before
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Would you come my way
Should have listened when you called my name
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Would you come my way
Should have listened when you called my name
Should have listened when you called my name
Should have listened when you called my name
At first glance, the lyrics of "Bullet Proof" by The Goo Goo Dolls seem somewhat difficult to interpret, as they switch between perspectives and seemingly unrelated ideas. However, a deeper examination reveals a theme of self-discovery and reaching out for real connections.
The lyrics start with the idea of self-reflection, asking if the listener is truly living for themselves and trying to understand their emotions. The chorus then shifts to the singer's desire to protect and support the listener, bulletproofing their soul and allowing them to let go without fear of falling.
The second verse introduces a woman who wants to tear down others and leave without a sound, perhaps representing the difficulties of finding genuine relationships in a world where many people put on a false front. The lyrics then return to the chorus, repeating the call for the listener to come their way and not give up.
Overall, "Bullet Proof" presents a message of vulnerability and the need for authenticity in relationships. It's a reminder to examine our own motivations and to not be afraid to reach out for connection, even when it feels like the world is against us.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you listen to yourself?
Are you self-aware and honest with yourself?
Never live for someone else
Don't sacrifice your own desires and dreams for other people
Do you like the way you feel?
Are you happy with who you are and the life you're living?
Nothing hurts when no one's real
It's easier to avoid pain when you distance yourself emotionally from others
She wants to shake this scene
She wants to escape from the current situation
Yeah, she wants to shake with me
She wants me to join her in making a change
She's not looking for the holes in all their lies
She's not trying to find flaws in other people's stories or excuses
I wanna bullet proof your soul
I want to protect and strengthen your inner self
Would you like to lose control?
Are you willing to let go and trust me?
I won't let you fall until you tell me so
I'll support you until you're ready to take the next step
What are we?
(Whatcha wanna be?)
What is our relationship and what do you want it to be?
Everything
(That ya wanna be)
I want everything you want
All I need
(Right in front of me)
You're everything I need and want
I've know before
I've felt this way before
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Do you still want to be with me or have you given up?
Should have listened when you called my name
I should have paid attention to your desires and needs
Yeah, she wants to tear you down
She wants to destroy your self-esteem
And she leaves without a sound
She disappears without a trace
It's like fallin' backwards into no one's arms
It's a feeling of emptiness and loneliness
You're a bullet through my soul
You affect me deeply and emotionally
And I'll never let you know
I won't reveal my true feelings to you
I won't let you fall until you let it go
I'll protect you until you're ready to face your struggles alone
Should have listened when you called my name
I should have paid attention to your desires and needs
Should have listened when you called my name
I should have paid attention to your desires and needs
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN RZEZNIK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pete
Do you listen to yourself?
Never live for someone else
Do you like the way you feel?
Nothing hurts when no one's real
She wants to shake this scene
Yeah, she wants to shake with me
She's not looking for the holes in all their lies
I wanna bullet proof your soul
Would you like to lose control?
I won't let you fall until you tell me so
What are we?
(Whatcha wanna be?)
Everything
(That ya wanna be)
All I need
(Right in front of me)
I've know before
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Would you come my way
Should have listened when you called my name
Yeah, she wants to tear you down
And she leaves without a sound
It's like fallin' backwards into no one's arms
You're a bullet through my soul
And I'll never let you know
I won't let you fall until you let it go
What are we?
(Whatcha wanna be?)
Everything
(That ya wanna be)
All I need
(Right in front of me)
I've know before
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Would you come my way
Should have listened when you called my name
Would you come my way
Or did you burn out to the end?
Would you come my way
Should have listened when you called my name
Should have listened when you called my name
Should have listened when you called my name
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: John Rzeznik
Bullet Proof lyrics © BMG Rights Management US, LLC
Chad Langen
Dizzy Up The Girl is one of the best alternative rock albums -- EVER! This was the album of my childhood and there are a lot of memories that lie with this album. Everytime I pull it out, I take a trip down memory lane.
Jamison Lamkin
Chad Langen Same, so much nostalgia and chills!
Lunch
Dizzy Up The Girl has to be their best album, and not just because it contains Iris. At this time the Dolls really perfected their sound and struck a great balance. A Boy Named Goo was often times too heavy and sometimes even senseless rock. There are some punk songs on there that made it onto my playlist. It’s no surprise of the entire album, Name was their biggest hit, because it was more than head banging rock.
Gutterflower and Let Love toned down the rock and even traded it for more gentle melodies. It’s great for a much older crowd, but a complete turn south compared to what the Dolls started as, and what was doing so well.
Dizzy’s songs are an ideal blend of alt rock that most people can pick up and enjoy. It can be grunge when it needs to but doesn’t smack you in the face with it, and it retains a certain acoustic feel yet. Slide, Black Balloon, All Eyes oN Me, Broadway are just some examples.
Floydandsome
Well said.
heatherdumas
One of my favorites <3 Then again, every song by them is my favorite. Love, love, love The Goo Goo Dolls. I know for a fact I would cry and maybe even faint if I saw them in concert. John Rzeznick is the best writer EVER.
brandonedgealbums
these guys had a great sound in general. i love the way the drums sound on this album. very clean and tight but organic/expressive too. dynamics are lost on bands today, everything has to be slammed into the red all the time.
CJ Lizotte
FUCKIN' RIGHT...
longliverocknroll5
one of my favourite albums of the 90's. Pure Genious through and through
Oh Boy Howdy
My favorite song on the album. This album came out when i was a freshman, then i saw them live. They were killer that night.
HAZ
Hands down, goo goo dolls best album. Every track on here is GOLD. Followed by gutter flower 🌹