Iris Lyrics by the Goo Goo Dolls

January 1, 2025

“Iris” is undoubtedly one of the Goo Goo Dolls’ most famous songs. Although it was originally made to feature in City of Angels (1998), the track went on to become one of their most commercially successful and enduring releases, also attaining a kind of pop culture status.

It’s essentially a love song that reveals just how sincerely and totally in love with someone the main singer feels; all he wants is for her, yes, to see him, because once she does everything will be alright! There are also some connotations showing that despite this strong desire, he also fears that if her gaze or love ever became too deep, he’ll shrivel up and die! The poetic lyrics no doubt helped radio stations choose “Iris” to play; admittedly, so did fans.

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls:

Category	Details
Song Title	Iris
Artist	Goo Goo Dolls
Written By	John Rzeznik (Lead vocalist and guitarist of the Goo Goo Dolls)
Release Date	April 1998 (as part of the City of Angels soundtrack)
Album	Dizzy Up the Girl (featured as a part of the album in 1998)
Genre	Alternative Rock, Pop Rock
Length	4:49
Producer	Rob Cavallo
Chart Performance	Reached No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and was a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100
Awards & Recognition	Nominated for Grammy Awards, Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song
Theme/Content	Love, longing, vulnerability, emotional connection, and the desire to be understood
Popular Impact	Iconic hit of the late ’90s and early 2000s, widely used in movies, TV shows, and commercials
Music Video	Directed by Sarah Piantino, featuring a narrative exploring the song’s themes, shot in black and white with symbolic imagery

Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls

Iris Lyrics

And I’d give up forever to touch you
‘Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You’re the closest to Heaven that I’ll ever be
And I don’t wanna go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
And sooner or later, it’s over
I just don’t wanna miss you tonight

And I don’t want the world to see me
‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

And you can’t fight the tears that ain’t coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive

And I don’t want the world to see me
‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am