* 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.
On Your Side
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not hearing what you're saying
Stop preaching at me now
I'm not a revelation
Superstar or new sensation
I'm just hiding away my frowns
We don't see eye to eye
With a smile and a sigh
I'm on your side
Five a.m. I shut my eyes
Then my worries tranquilized
Don't think the morning comes too soon
If I don't see the morning
That's ok they're pretty boring
See you tomorrow afternoon
We don't see eye to eye
I'm on your side
With a smile and a sigh
I'm on your side
You're living in a trailer
Friends all think that you're a failure
But are you thinking for yourself
You read the Sunday paper
Wife's pissed off 'cause you ain't laid her
Rolling pennies for your wealth
Me too. . .
We don't see eye to eye
I'm on your side
With a smile and a sigh
I'm on your side
I'm on your side
The lyrics of "On Your Side" by The Goo Goo Dolls speak about a person on a mission to pursue their own path and not being swayed by others' opinions. The song portrays a rebellious attitude towards those who try to preach or advise the person. The mentioned individual is not looking for attention or fame; instead, they are hiding their sorrows and trying to find solace in their own way.
The song offers a glimpse into the persona's lifestyle, where they are not worried about the norms that society expects them to follow, like waking up early in the morning. The lyrics mention the individual being on the same side as someone else, despite not seeing eye to eye on everything. For the person, it is okay to be different, and they still want to support others despite their differences.
Overall, "On Your Side" by The Goo Goo Dolls is a song about individuality and acceptance. It teaches us to be true to ourselves and accept others even if we do not agree with everything they believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on a mission baby
I have a purpose or goal that I am driven to achieve.
I'm not hearing what you're saying
I am not listening to or comprehending what you are communicating.
Stop preaching at me now
Please refrain from speaking in a condescending or judgmental manner towards me.
I'm not a revelation
I am not a revolutionary or groundbreaking figure.
Superstar or new sensation
I am not a celebrity or new, trendy sensation.
I'm just hiding away my frowns
I am concealing (my negative emotions) behind a facade of happiness.
We don't see eye to eye
We do not share the same perspective or opinion.
With a smile and a sigh
While expressing a mix of pleasant and negative emotions.
Five a.m. I shut my eyes
With the intention of sleeping or resting, I close my eyelids at 5am.
Then my worries tranquilized
My anxieties or concerns become less intense and less disturbing to my peace of mind.
Don't think the morning comes too soon
I do not perceive morning arriving earlier than I would like.
If I don't see the morning
If I do not live to experience another morning.
That's ok they're pretty boring
Mornings are not particularly exciting or stimulating compared to other experiences.
See you tomorrow afternoon
I plan to meet with you again tomorrow afternoon.
You're living in a trailer
You reside in a mobile home or other temporary housing.
Friends all think that you're a failure
Your acquaintances hold the belief that you have not succeeded in your endeavors.
But are you thinking for yourself
However, do you possess the ability to independently formulate your own thoughts and opinions?
You read the Sunday paper
You peruse a particular newspaper edition which is published on Sundays.
Wife's pissed off 'cause you ain't laid her
Your spouse is angry or annoyed with you because you have not engaged in sexual activity with her.
Rolling pennies for your wealth
You are collecting or saving small amounts of money in the form of pennies.
I'm on your side
I am supporting or advocating for you.
Contributed by Leo G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Platform Junkie
This is the Goo Goo Dolls I LOVE!
Joseph Adams
goo goo dolls have always and will always be one of the greatest bands. Future HOF.
Danfrombackhome
This blows my mind that this is their pre “name”stuff. They rocked back in the day
ABRAHAM FADES
I go Goo goo for goo goo music.... I love this band. Rzeznik was the only reason I picked up a guitar and learned how to play.
Mark Charles
makes 2 of us
Davide Ferrario
Great voice Takac!!
Maideneer
Amazing song. What a shame to see what's happened to these guys. Robby sure knows how to write songs. He's got some clunkers (see: Somethin' Bad, So Long, Full Forever, Strange Love), but this stands out as one of the high points.
Zac6230
Goo is still good
jake O'Donohoe
i like the both sides of the goo go dolls :) there just good at writing songs .... especialy the lyrics .. ....
lunalovett
wow i have nothing against the new goo goo dolls...its the same to me..i mean people grow up...i don't call it selling out...I say who gives a fuck about it...they are still producing good music...im not a fan of iris but a lot of their other newer songs are really good.