* 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.
Don't Change
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm standing here on the ground
The sky above won't fall down
See no evil, in all direction
Resolution of happiness
Things have been dark for too long
Don't change for you
For me
Don't change for you
Don't change a thing
For me
I'm found in love I had lost
It had been gone for too long
Hear no evil, in all directions
Execution of bitterness
Message received loud and clear
Don't change for you
Don't change a thing
For me
Don't change for you
Don't change a thing
For me
I'm standing here on the ground
The sky above won't fall down
See no evil, in all directions
Resolution of happiness
Things have been dark for too long
Don't change for you
Don't change a thing
For me
Don't change for you
Don't change a thing
For me
Don't change
Don't change, yeah, yeah
In The Goo Goo Dolls' song Don't Change, the lyrics seem to be expressing a desire for stability and constancy in a relationship. The singer seems to be assuring their partner that they don't need to change who they are or what they do in order to keep the relationship going. They reassure their partner that they are content with who they are and things have been dark for too long, so they don't want any changes.
The repetition of the phrase "See no evil, in all directions" could refer to the fact that the singer simply wants to avoid conflict and negativity in their relationship, and just stick to what is working. The "Resolution of happiness" seems to suggest that the singer has come to a realization that they are indeed happy with the way things are, and the "Execution of bitterness" implies that they no longer want to dwell on past bitterness or negative emotions that might cause any instability in the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics to Don't Change are a plea for things to stay the same and for the relationship to remain stable even though the singer may have had a difficult time in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't change
The singer is requesting someone not to change.
I'm standing here on the ground
The singer is metaphorically representing their grounded nature with their surroundings.
The sky above won't fall down
The singer is expressing the stability of their surroundings, indicating the trust they have towards them.
See no evil, in all direction
The artist is portraying their negativity towards being distrusting of their surroundings through a positive language trope of stating no bad things being perceived by them.
Resolution of happiness
The artist believes that if their request is heeded, there will be a positive outcome in the form of happiness.
Things have been dark for too long
The singer is expressing the negativity of the current situation which they believe someone changing may alleviate.
Don't change for you
The singer is reiterating that their request is solely for the benefit of the other party and not the singer themselves.
Don't change a thing
The artist is requesting not to change anything about themselves or their existing circumstances.
For me
The artist is clarifying that the request is on behalf of the relationship/shared environment, and not an egotistical demand for their own personal benefit.
I'm found in love I had lost
The artist is expressing that they have found previously lost love, this may or may not be related to the prior request.
It had been gone for too long
The singer is indicating that the period of lost love was significant and may be an explanation for their prior request.
Hear no evil, in all directions
The artist once again uses a positive language trope to indicate the absence of negativity around.
Execution of bitterness
The singer believes that if/when their request is granted, there will no longer be any issues of bitterness or grudges.
Message received loud and clear
The singer believes that their message has been clearly conveyed to the other party and they understand what is being asked of them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC ROBERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vilian
Don't change guys, ever. The music you bring is perfect just the way it is now.
DeniseRenee40
Love the cover, it's always been a favorite song of mine! Great concept of showing pictures, John! Very cool! 😊
Vivi Gregg
I'm loving that you guys covered this INXS song! Two of my all time favorite bands! Got a chance to meet you guys... but never INXS! Thank you for this!
Rebecca Sirmon
This is great! I hope they stay around for a long time.🤗
Lyons T-BAG
I absolutely love the GOO GOO DOLLS!!! Iris one of my favourite songs!! If you found this comment you're a legend and I hope you have a fantastic day! Enjoy the music!
InfantGoose6565
You as well :)
mary huhnke
@Lyons T-BAG You have a great day too!
Rebecca Sirmon
I’m sooo glad I discovered this band even when I lived in the Virgin Islands. Thank goodness I always had an open mind when it comes to music. If its got great lyrical content and the tune’s great, I love I. Especially if I could relate.
Mnm Chocolate
I love goo goo dolls so much
Your songs makes my day brighter
❤❤❤
The best
Sweet 12
Amo esta música (*๓´╰╯`๓)♡