The song infuses the original with a new take
Multi-platinum selling recording artist, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) teams up with singer/songwriter Julia Wolf as they release a reimagined cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ iconic 1998 single “Iris.” The reimagined track infuses MGK’s vulnerability and rawness while paying homage to the original version through live instrumentation.
The song follows the March release of “Your Name Forever,” a heartfelt tribute to MGK’s fallen friend Dingo, who passed away.
Iris” was written by Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik specifically for the soundtrack of the 1998 romantic drama film City of Angels, starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. Rzeznik was inspired by the film’s premise, where Cage’s angel character is willing to give up his immortality for the chance to experience human love with Ryan’s character.
The lyrics reflect the angel’s perspective, expressing a willingness to sacrifice everything for a connection with the human he loves. The title “Iris” came to Rzeznik after seeing country singer Iris DeMent’s name in a magazine and thought it sounded interested.
Rzeznik has mentioned that he was going through a difficult personal period, including a breakup, which may have also influenced the song’s emotional depth.
The song was released as a single on April 1, 1998, and was also included on the band’s sixth album, Dizzy Up the Girl, which came out later in the year. “Iris” became one of the biggest hits of the 1990s and the Goo Goo Dolls’ signature song.
In the US, it dominated the airplay charts, spending a record 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart. Internationally, “Iris” was a massive success, reaching No. 1 in Australia, Canada, and Italy, and the top five in Ireland and the UK. It is the 19th-biggest-selling single of all time in Ireland. As of November 2024, “Iris” had reached over two billion plays on Spotify, making it one of the top 100 most-played tracks globally on the platform. It’s also been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales and streams equivalent of over ten million.
