* 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.
Hey
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the things you've been denied
Would it change you
Would you feel alive
But all that's left now
Are these words that I've been trying to say to you now
And together we'll get by somehow
The truth you hide from everyone deep inside
Hey ya, hey ya
You're the only one I want
Hey ya, hey ya
And I would drown to save you
From the sinking thoughts you feel
And I'll love you just the same
So don't you ever feel ashamed
'Cause we all get tired of fighting
Just to feel like we belong
And I know you feel forgotten
But I've been here all along to say
And all you ever wanted was someone to find
The truth you hide from everyone deep inside
Hey ya, hey ya
You're the only one I want
Hey ya, hey ya
Hey ya, hey ya
You're the only one I want
Hey ya, hey ya
And you hide yourself so deep inside
Will I ever see
Ever see you
Now I'm the one who's been denied
But I believe in you
Believe in you
Hey ya, hey ya
You're the only one I want
Hey ya, hey ya
Hey ya, hey ya
You're the only one I want
Hey ya, hey ya
Hey ya, hey ya
You're the only one I want
The Goo Goo Dolls' song "Hey" is a poignant ballad about wanting to help someone who seems to be hiding their true self. The lyrics express the desire to give that person all the things they've been denied and wondering whether it would change them and make them feel alive. However, all that's left are the words the singer has been trying to convey all this time. Together, they'll get by somehow.
The line "And all you ever wanted was someone to find the truth you hide from everyone deep inside" reveals a theme of loneliness and the need for human connection. Here, the singer acknowledges that the person he loves has been hiding their true self from others, but he wants to be the one to help them open up and find solace in being loved.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Hey ya, hey ya, you're the only one I want" several times, accompanied by a catchy melody that captures the essence of a heartfelt plea for the person to come out of hiding and accept the singer's love.
In the second verse, the singer offers to drown to save the person from their negative thoughts, and he assures them that no matter what happens, he'll always love them the same.
The bridge of the song continues this theme of loneliness and hiddenness, asking whether the singer will ever get to truly know the person he loves. However, he believes in her and her ability to overcome her own fears and doubts.
"Hey" is a powerful testament to the strength of human connection in the face of adversity. It speaks to the idea that sometimes all someone needs is someone else who believes in them and accepts them for who they are.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could give you
If I had the power to grant you all the things you've been denied
All the things you've been denied
All the things you've been longing for, but haven't had the opportunity to acquire
Would it change you
Would it transform you into a different person
Would you feel alive
Would you finally experience a true sense of vitality and purpose
But all that's left now
However, the only thing left now
Are these words that I've been trying to say to you now
Are the words I have been struggling to communicate to you at this moment
And together we'll get by somehow
And somehow we will endure and overcome our challenges together
And all you ever wanted was someone to find
Your ultimate yearning was for someone to discover
The truth you hide from everyone deep inside
The underlying reality that you keep concealed from others within yourself
Hey ya, hey ya
A repetitious and catchy expression of endearment
You're the only one I want
You are the sole individual I desire to have in my life
And I would drown to save you
I would willingly sacrifice everything to save you from drowning in your own negative thoughts and emotions
From the sinking thoughts you feel
From the overwhelming and debilitating feelings you experience
And I'll love you just the same
And my love for you will remain unchanged
So don't you ever feel ashamed
So never should you feel guilty or embarrassed
'Cause we all get tired of fighting
Because we all become fatigued from striving and struggling
Just to feel like we belong
Simply to have a sense of belonging
And I know you feel forgotten
And I'm aware that you perceive yourself as being neglected or erased
But I've been here all along to say
But in actuality, I have been here all this time trying to express to you
And you hide yourself so deep inside
You keep yourself so well-disguised within yourself
Will I ever see
Will I ever be able to witness
Ever see you
Your true self and identity
Now I'm the one who's been denied
Now it's me who is being prevented from having something that I need or desire
But I believe in you
But I have faith in your abilities and potential
Hey ya, hey ya
A repetitious and catchy expression of endearment
You're the only one I want
You are the sole individual I desire to have in my life
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN RZEZNIK, TIM PALMER, TIMOTHY J PALMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Juan Cisneros
This is one of my very favorite songs! I wish theyβd done more stuff where they went back and forth like this.
Lisa Skaggs
Love it Robby, no shoes and in his boxer's πππ like he just jumped out of bed and said "O" shit I got to go πππππ love the Gooz
ThΓ©ophile
In which city was this happening?
Armando CΓ‘rdenas - Nick -
ThΓ©ophile Richart the metro is a very famous venue in Chicago
CED-3
Someone reposted some or your videos of this show, it's titled "Goo Goo Dolls LIVE Pro Shot 1993 (HD)"
Michael L
Ryan Sanders George!!!!
Joseph Bipple
Does anybody know what happened to Johnny's face?
What do you want?
He got a LOT of plastic. I actually met them ast year for an album signing. Up close it's so much worse. It was overkill. Robbie looks normal and healthy though.