* 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.
Laughing
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My belly hurts and my head is like a rock
I get up to see what I can see
Furthest I got was my black and white TV
Eyewitness News brought to you at noon
Oh my God, guess I got up too soon because
[Chorus]
Oh, I feel like laughing
Oh, I feel like laughing
All because of you
All because of you
I didn't mean to wear this disguise
But I can't stand the look in my eyes
Oh, I didn't mean to lie
I was doing what I thought was right
Come on, walk right down the line
You'll be walking 'til the end of time because
[Chorus: x2]
The Goo Goo Dolls' song "Laughing" is a reflection of someone waking up, feeling sick, and not wanting to face the day. The opening lines "I wake up, I'm staring at the clock, my belly hurts and my head is like a rock" set the tone of feeling unwell physically and mentally. The singer then turns on the TV and watches the news, but even that does not bring any comfort, as there is only bad news.
Throughout the song, the chorus "Oh, I feel like laughing, all because of you" is repeated. It is unclear who "you" refers to, but it could be someone who brings joy and laughter to the singer's life, possibly a love interest. The singer acknowledges wearing a disguise and lying, but justifies it as doing what they thought was right. The line "Come on, walk right down the line, You'll be walking 'til the end of time" suggests that the singer is resigned to their current situation and that they will continue to walk down the same path until the end of their life.
The song could be interpreted as a commentary on society's obsession with bad news and the constant negativity in the media. It can also be seen as a reflection of someone going through a tough time and struggling to find happiness in their life. The chorus "Oh, I feel like laughing, all because of you" could be interpreted as finding joy in someone else's presence, possibly a romantic partner.
Line by Line Meaning
I wake up, I'm staring at the clock
I open my eyes and see the clock showing me it's morning.
My belly hurts and my head is like a rock
I have a stomachache and my head is heavy and tired.
I get up to see what I can see
I get out of bed to see what is going on.
Furthest I got was my black and white TV
The only thing I managed to do was watch TV on an old black and white screen.
Eyewitness News brought to you at noon
The news program broadcast the latest news at noon.
Oh my God, guess I got up too soon because
I regret waking up early because there is nothing interesting happening yet.
Oh, I feel like laughing
I suddenly feel like laughing.
All because of you
This feeling of joy is because of you.
I didn't mean to wear this disguise
I didn't plan on pretending or hiding behind a mask.
But I can't stand the look in my eyes
I feel ashamed of myself and hate who I see in the mirror.
Oh, I didn't mean to lie
I didn't intend to deceive or withhold the truth.
I was doing what I thought was right
I did what I believed was the right thing to do at the time.
Come on, walk right down the line
Follow the straightforward path that is before you.
You'll be walking 'til the end of time because
This path will continue for eternity.
Chorus x2
Repeats the chorus.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GEORGE TUTUSKA, JOHN RZEZNIK, ROBERT C. JR. TAKAC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Melissa
So glad that I got to see them during this time when I was 20-21 years old, no kids, mortgage, etc. Love this album so much. I'm taking it to the desert island with me!
hector Lara
Excelente rola !!! Me recuerda mucho a esos dias de Rock and Roll !!!
Christopher Paladin
Here because the co-singer of my favorite band, The Lawrence Arms, has always said that his singing voice is basically just his attempt to sing like Robby from the Goo Goo Dolls, his favorite band. Can’t believe they used to sound like this. This is awesome.
casa das pitayas
Velhos tempos ...
O que você acha do som deles hoje?
H C Runfola
These guys were destined to be the next Replacements., Westerberg even collaborated with them .and then they did the greatest sell out job of all time.. But man, in the early days these guys nailed it...
Brian Loper
cool song
Keith Bell
Loved this song and band circa 1990 . . . but then they decided to make money off their music. Can’t blame them, but they were much better before that bubblegum pop phase.
Théophile Phanoune
Best Robby's song ?
JuanPablo RB
yup.
sillypenta
I had no idea they were once a great Replacements type band. The hits suck.