* 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.
So Long
The Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to know I took my coffee black then
nothing's different now but
nothing seems the same and it's alright.
Your optimistic views
Your hundred dollar running shoes and
carpool tunnel syndrome
I'd love to stick around but
I gotta tell you oh so long
oh so long
oh so long
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
Don't take much looking back
to know I faked that heart attack then
nothing's different now but
nothing seems the same and it's alright
You always spoke the truth from
circled disco hobbled boots and
all that shobiz talk girl
we all had a laugh about it
I'd love to stick around but
I gotta tell you oh so long
oh so long
oh so long
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
oh so long
oh so long
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
I gotta get back doin' unto you
long
oh so long
oh so long
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
oh so long
oh so long
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
The song "So Long" by The Goo Goo Dolls is about moving on from a relationship or a past phase of life. The lyrics suggest that there is nothing wrong with the present, but there is something different about it. The singer reminisces about their old habits, like drinking black coffee and faking a heart attack, and the things they used to do with their partner, like making fun of their carpal tunnel syndrome and their running shoes. The song acknowledges that there were good memories but that it's time to say goodbye.
The chorus, "oh so long, but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long," suggests that the singer has been thinking of this goodbye for a while but hasn't said anything until now. It could be interpreted as the fear of leaving a comfort zone, whether it's a person or a state of mind. The line "I gotta get back doin' unto you" suggests that the singer may have lost part of themselves in the relationship and now needs to focus on self-care to find that part again.
Overall, the song is a contemplative piece that acknowledges the past while recognizing the need to move on. It's about embracing change and embarking on a new chapter in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't take much looking back
It doesn't take much reflection on the past
to know I took my coffee black then
to realize that I drank my coffee plain
nothing's different now but
nothing has changed except
nothing seems the same and it's alright.
everything feels different, but that's okay.
Your optimistic views
I appreciated your positive outlook
Your hundred dollar running shoes and
I noticed your expensive sneakers and
carpool tunnel syndrome
joked about your carpool related ailment
we all had a laugh about it
we found it amusing
I'd love to stick around but
I wish I could stay longer, but
I gotta tell you oh so long
I have to say goodbye, farewell,
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
but I didn't want to say it out loud, goodbye
You always spoke the truth from
I admired your honesty, spoken from
circled disco hobbled boots and
your unique style of clothing and
all that shobiz talk girl
your discussion of show business
we all had a laugh about it
we found it amusing
I'd love to stick around but
I wish I could stay longer, but
I gotta tell you oh so long
I have to say goodbye, farewell,
oh so long
goodbye
oh so long
goodbye
oh so long
goodbye
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
but I didn't want to say it out loud, goodbye
I gotta get back doin' unto you
I need to start treating you better again
long
goodbye
oh so long
goodbye
oh so long
goodbye
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
but I didn't want to say it out loud, goodbye
oh so long
goodbye
oh so long
goodbye
but I didn't wanna tell you oh so long
but I didn't want to say it out loud, goodbye
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GEORGE TUTUSKA, JOHN T RZEZNIK, ROBERT C. JR. TAKAC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind