Goo Goo Dolls -: Iris (audio)

: The lyrics were written from the perspective of Nicolas Cage’s character in City of Angels , an immortal angel willing to sacrifice his divinity to experience human love.

: The title "Iris" does not appear in the lyrics; Rzeznik chose the name after seeing country-folk singer Iris DeMent listed in a magazine. Goo goo dolls - Iris (Audio)

: Frontman John Rzeznik wrote the track while living in a hotel in Los Angeles, grappling with writer's block and the recent collapse of his marriage. : The lyrics were written from the perspective

: The song is famous for its haunting acoustic melody played in a unique guitar tuning (BDDDDD) that Rzeznik stumbled upon after breaking two strings. Lyrical Themes : The song is famous for its haunting

"Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls is a seminal alternative rock ballad released on April 1, 1998. Originally written for the soundtrack of the film City of Angels , it later became the lead single for the band's multi-platinum album Dizzy Up the Girl . As of late 2024, the song achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA, marking over 10 million units sold in the U.S..