* 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.
Name
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the dreams you never thought you'd lose got tossed along the way
Letters that you never meant to send get lost or thrown away
Now we're grown up orphans that never knew their names
We don't belong to no one
That's a shame
If you could hide beside me, maybe for awhile
And I won't tell no one your name
Scars are souvenirs you never lose, the past is never far
And did you lose yourself way out there?
Did you get to be a star?
Don't make you sad to know that life is more than who you are?
Grew up way too fast and now there's nothing to believe
Reruns all become our history
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won't tell 'em your name
And I won't tell 'em your name
And I won't tell 'em your name
I think about you all the time, but I don't need the same
It's lonely where you are
And I won't tell 'em your name
The Goo Goo Dolls' song "Name" is a melancholic ballad about the loss and fading of dreams and identity. The opening lines highlight the regret of missing out on important moments or opportunities. The second line "all the dreams you never thought you'd lose got tossed along the way" emphasizes the pain of letting go of the unrealized aspirations. The persona in the song reflects on a past lover who has disappeared from their life. The lines speculate on how the person might have changed over the years and how they might have lost touch with their identity. The sentiment of feeling like "grown-up orphans that never knew their name" creates a sense of alienation and detachment from the world around.
The chorus serves as a manifestation of the singer's longing for the lost love. The lines "If you could hide beside me, maybe for awhile, and I won't tell no one your name" suggests that the singer wants to be close to the person but isn't interested in revealing their identity. The persona in the song is reconciling with the fact that they might not be able to get back the person they have lost.
The second verse reiterates the idea of searching for meaning in life after losing one's identity. The persona ponders if someone who had once seemed destined to be a "star" lost sight of themselves in the pursuit of glory. The lyrics reflect the theme of the disillusionment of life and the loss of passion with age. The sentiment is used to describe how "reruns all become our history" and how "a tired song keeps playing on a tired radio." These lines reflect how old wounds never quite heal, and the song serves as an ode to the scars one carries with them through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Even though the moment passed me by, I still can't turn away
Despite missing out on a significant opportunity, I cannot simply move on from it and forget.
All the dreams you never thought you'd lose got tossed along the way
Many of your aspirations were abandoned and left behind as you journeyed through life.
Letters that you never meant to send get lost or thrown away
Unsent correspondence that was intended for you was either misplaced or discarded.
Now we're grown up orphans that never knew their names
As adults, we no longer have any sense of identity or community and are completely on our own.
We don't belong to no one
We do not have any connection to anyone or anything in a meaningful way.
That's a shame
It is unfortunate and regrettable that we are in this situation.
If you could hide beside me, maybe for awhile
If it were possible, I wish you could take refuge alongside me and stay for a period of time.
And I won't tell no one your name
I promise to maintain your privacy and not divulge your identity to anyone.
Scars are souvenirs you never lose, the past is never far
The emotional and physical wounds we bear serve as reminders of past experiences, which remain close to us regardless of time.
And did you lose yourself way out there?
Amidst the hardships and difficulties, did you lose your true self and become someone else entirely?
Did you get to be a star?
Were you able to attain the fame and recognition you had hoped for?
Don't make you sad to know that life is more than who you are?
Does it not disappoint you to realize that your existence is only a small part of the larger picture of life?
Grew up way too fast and now there's nothing to believe
We matured and aged too rapidly, causing us to lose faith in anything or anyone significant.
Reruns all become our history
Our past experiences and memories recur often, but have since become part of our personal narrative.
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
Repetitive and worn-out music continues to play on a radio station that has already lost its spark.
I think about you all the time, but I don't need the same
You remain often in my thoughts, but I do not expect or demand that you reciprocate my feelings.
It's lonely where you are
You are currently in a desolate and isolated place.
And I won't tell 'em your name
I reiterate that I will respect your privacy and not disclose your identity to anyone.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: J. RZEZNIK, R. TAKAC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@small_fries7573
The Lord Jesus Christ became the Savior of sinners (all humans) by coming down from Heaven & dying on the 🪵 wooden cross for our sins. God raised Him from the dead, and Jesus is now a living Savior with God in heaven.
But don't lose hope. Anyone can be saved from their sins and from going to hell in two easy, peasy steps:
1. Realize that you are a sinner who CAN'T SAVE YOURSELF from going to the lake of fire (forever) 🔥 based on your good deeds, your own philosophy, and other religions.
2. Realize that you need to believe in your heart ❤️ that ONLY Jesus Christ died for your sins.
If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart ❤️ that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart ❤️ man believe unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Congratulations! 🎊 👏 After this life, you're on your way to heaven forever! ⬆️💯🥳
@small_fries7573
The Lord Jesus Christ became the Savior of sinners (all humans) by coming down from Heaven & dying on the 🪵 wooden cross for our sins. God raised Him from the dead, and Jesus is now a living Savior with God in heaven.
But don't lose hope. Anyone can be saved from their sins and from going to hell in two easy, peasy steps:
1. Realize that you are a sinner who CAN'T SAVE YOURSELF from going to the lake of fire (forever) 🔥 based on your good deeds, your own philosophy, and other religions.
2. Realize that you need to believe in your heart ❤️ that ONLY Jesus Christ died for your sins.
If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart ❤️ that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart ❤️ man believe unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Congratulations! 🎊 👏 After this life, you're on your way to heaven forever! ⬆️💯🥳
@mikeg8276
I’ll never understand how the Goo Goo Dolls made such blatantly romantic soft rock songs without even a hint of cheese, corniness, or cringe. Their work has aged better than most.
@badgasaurus4211
I think it is the strength of the lyrics and the hard rock nature of the vocals. Lends a sincerity to the whole thing.
@cindymalick7754
They are one of my favorite bands, you rock Goo Goo Dolls, Baby's black balloon
@joshrhoads9419
They age like a fine wine. Only get richer as the years go by
@nichmonzone4395
This song inspired me to make a song that is inspired by love. If you want to listen to it here is the link: https://youtu.be/3Wo0zFPt_t0
Thank you!
@harryprete9699
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@tiebazurenuoc9702
I always get emotional when I listen to this song because both my parents died when I was very young. Now I am 26 years of age and I am still taking the responsibility to support my younger siblings. Sacrificed a lot of my leisure time and dreams so they can get a better education. One day when my two younger siblings graduate from college/Uni, I will be the proudest big brother ever. Thanks for this song.
@chosen_remnant
God bless you and your siblings on your life's journey and may he give you grace to push through the hard times and much joy in the good times.
@nomadlight
Good on ya mate
@paceflchick
🙏