
Iris" – Goo Goo Dolls
Release Date: April 1, 1998
Album: City of Angels (soundtrack) & later Dizzy Up the Girl (1998)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Power Ballad
Written by: John Rzeznik
Lead Vocals: John Rzeznik
Length: 4:49
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📝 Song Summary & Meaning
"Iris" is an emotional rock ballad about sacrificial love and vulnerability. Written for the City of Angels film, the lyrics reflect the perspective of an angel who chooses to become human just to experience love—even if it means embracing pain and mortality.
🎵 Iconic Lyrics:
“And I’d give up forever to touch you…”
“I just want you to know who I am…”
The song conveys longing, devotion, and the risk of opening oneself to deep connection, making it resonate far beyond its original movie context
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💡 Background & Inspiration
John Rzeznik wrote it while struggling with writer’s block. The concept of City of Angels—angels watching humans but unable to fully experience life—inspired the song’s core message.
Musically, it features a unique guitar tuning (B-B-D-D-D-D) that gives it its distinctive, soaring sound