* 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.
Close Your Eyes
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd play the blues 'til you came home
With a little sadness in your eyes
Now that all my time was spent
In the walk your heaven sent
Thinking 'bout all the nights you cried
Had a certain passion
And I had silly dreams
A look of vicious actions
Don't close your eyes to me
Don't close your eyes to me
Oh, don't close your eyes to me
Don't close your eyes to me
I wish I had a camera lens
To film the things my mind had said
Before they reached my mouth and got all bad
Looking at the skies of blue
All day long, I think of you
Even after all the shit we've been through
[Chorus]
Oh, don't close your eyes to me
Close your eyes to me
Close your eyes to me
Eyes to me
Close your eyes to me
Don't close your eyes to me
Close your eyes to me
Close your eyes to me
Don't close your eyes to me
Eyes to me
The lyrics of The Goo Goo Dolls' song Close Your Eyes are an emotional expression of a person's longing for a loved one who has been through difficult times. The lyrics convey a sense of regret for the words that were said and the actions taken that may have caused pain and hurt. The singer wishes he had a saxophone to play the blues, which symbolizes the sadness and melancholy that he feels when the person he loves is away. He wants the loved one to know that he is sorry and he wants to make things right.
The song expresses a certain passion and the singer has silly dreams, which connotes that he has hope for the future, that he and his loved one can make it work despite the difficulties they have faced. The line "Don't close your eyes to me" is repeated throughout the song, which feels like a plea, a request for the person not to give up on their relationship. The singer wants the loved one to open their eyes, to see him and to know that he is sincere and devoted to making things better between them.
Overall, the song is a heartfelt expression of love, regret, and hope. The lyrics are poignant and expressive, and they convey the singer's emotions with sincerity and sensitivity. It is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has been in love.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I had a saxophone
I want to express my feelings through music.
I'd play the blues 'til you came home
I want to convey my emotions until you return.
With a little sadness in your eyes
I want to acknowledge your pain and help you overcome it.
Now that all my time was spent
I have devoted all my time to you.
In the walk your heaven sent
I have been following your path because I believe in you.
Thinking 'bout all the nights you cried
I can't stop thinking about the moments you were hurt and how I can make them better.
Had a certain passion
I possessed a strong feeling towards you.
And I had silly dreams
I had foolish hopes regarding our relationship.
A look of vicious actions
I may have acted aggressively, but it was out of love.
Don't close your eyes to me
Don't shut me out of your life, let me be a part of it.
I wish I had a camera lens
I want to capture the moments in my mind before they become regretful.
To film the things my mind had said
To record all the thoughts and emotions that I hold back from you.
Before they reached my mouth and got all bad
Before they turned into negative words that could harm our relationship.
Looking at the skies of blue
I see beauty in the world despite our problems.
All day long, I think of you
You never leave my thoughts, and I cherish every moment we share.
Even after all the shit we've been through
Despite all the challenges we faced, I still love you and want you by my side.
Close your eyes to me
Stay with me and let me take care of you.
Eyes to me
Let your eyes be open to our love.
Oh, don't close your eyes to me
Please don't turn away from me, I need you.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GEORGE TUTUSKA, JOHN RZEZNIK, ROBBIE TAKAC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind