* 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.
Down on the Corner
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
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Over by the courthouse, they're startin' to unwind
Poor kids on the corner tryin' to bring you up
Willie picks a tune out and he knows they gonna start
Down on the corner
Out in the street
Willie and the Poor Boys are playin'
Johnny hits the washboard, people just gotta smile
Robby thumbs a gut-bass and solos for a while
Poor boy brings the rhythm on his kalamazoo
And Willie goes into a dance doubles on kazoo, hey!
Down on the corner
Out in the street
Willie and the Poor Boys are playin'
Bring a nickel tap your feet
Down on the corner
Out in the street
Willie and the Poor Boys are playin'
Bring a nickel tap your feet
Down on the corner
Out in the street
Willie and the Poor Boys are playin'
Bring a nickel tap your feet
You don't need a penny just to hang around
But if you got a nickel won't ya lay your money down
Over on the corner there's a happy noise
People come from all around to watch the magic boy
Down on the corner
Out in the street
Willie and the Poor Boys are playin'
Bring a nickel tap your feet
The Goo Goo Dolls' Down on the Corner depicts a lively atmosphere that is vivacious and entertaining. The first stanza of the song gives us an idea of the time; evening, just about suppertime. The setup of the song transports us to the courthouse area, and the start of merrymaking by the poor kids on the corner who are trying to create an upbeat mood. At the beginning of the song, the band is introduced as 'Willie and the Poor Boys.' Willie, a member of the band, picks a tune that he believes will capture the audience's attention. The upbeat sound that erupts from his guitar sets the tone for the occasion.
The second stanza of the song depicts how each member of the band is trying to outdo one another. Johnny hits the washboard, Robby thumbs a gut-bass, and the poor boy brings out the rhythm on his kalamazoo. As the song proceeds, Willie takes us into another world of entertainment by suggesting that the audience should 'bring a nickel and tap your feet.' The inviting nature of the song makes it possible for anyone to join Willie and the Poor Boys in what can only be described as a magical moment that cuts across all classes.
In summary, The Goo Goo Dolls' Down on the Corner is a song about a group of poor kids on the corner who are trying to make the best of their circumstances. They use their skills in music and entertainment to create an atmosphere of joy that transcends all classes.
Line by Line Meaning
Early on the evening, just about suppertime
The time is early evening, around dinnertime
Over by the courthouse, they're startin' to unwind
There are people gathering near the courthouse, relaxing and letting loose
Poor kids on the corner tryin' to bring you up
Underprivileged children are trying to uplift the mood and bring some entertainment to passersby
Willie picks a tune out and he knows they gonna start
Willie begins to play a song and he knows that the others will join in
Johnny hits the washboard, people just gotta smile
Johnny starts playing the washboard and it brings joy to the people's faces
Robby thumbs a gut-bass and solos for a while
Robby plays a bass guitar and takes a solo for some time
Poor boy brings the rhythm on his kalamazoo
One of the poor boys plays a kalamazoo, a type of guitar, and keeps the rhythm going
And Willie goes into a dance doubles on kazoo, hey!
Willie starts dancing and also plays the kazoo at the same time
You don't need a penny just to hang around
You don't have to pay anything to just be present and enjoy the music
But if you got a nickel won't ya lay your money down
If you have a nickel, you can contribute to the performance by putting your money down
Over on the corner there's a happy noise
There is a joyful commotion happening on the corner
People come from all around to watch the magic boy
People from all over come to watch the talented young musician perform
Down on the corner
The location of the lively performance
Out in the street
The music is loud and can be heard from outside
Willie and the Poor Boys are playin'
The musicians playing the instruments are called Willie and the Poor Boys
Bring a nickel tap your feet
If you have a nickel, you can pay to enjoy the music and dance along
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: JOHN C FOGERTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind