1998 Rock Hit Is Climbing the Charts Again Nearly 30 Years After Its Release
Despite being released 28 years ago, the Goo Goo Dolls' romantic rock anthem, "Iris," has secured a spot on Billboard's Rock Streaming Songs. According to the chart, "Iris," off the band's 1998 record Dizzy Up the Girl, was the 15th "most popular streamed" tune from the rock genre during the week of May 23, 2026.
According to a March 2026 New York Times report, a TikTok '90s trend that utilizes "Iris" is partly responsible for the song's cultural comeback. In a correspondence via email to the publication, Syracuse University assistant professor Jennifer Billinson theorized why "Iris" and the '90s trend are so popular in the current day.
"Life is difficult right now for so many and for so many reasons. It makes sense that we have rose-colored glasses for a time we perceive as simpler and less complicated," wrote Billinson, who works in the college's Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries.
John Rzeznik Revealed How He Came Up With 'Iris' in a 2025 Interview
In a 2025 behind-the-scenes interview about "Iris," members of the Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, explained that the song was written for the 1998 romance fantasy film, City of Angels. Rzeznik said he and his bandmates instantly liked the song and decided to also include it on Dizzy Up the Girl.
Rzeznik also shared that he came up with the song's lyrics after watching the 1987 German film, Wings of Desire, which "City of Angels was based on." He then began writing the song "from the perspective of the guy, the angel guy who was just like he'd give up everything just to feel this human thing." He explained that the angel character, Damiel (Bruno Ganz) in Wings of Desire and Seth (Nicolas Cage) in City of Angels, "realizes how painful it is to be a human" on their respective journeys.
"But it's like the point of being human is to experience that pain in a sort of non-judgmental way because that's the essence of being human. It's the ups and the downs, and it's accepting the low parts. You don't have to like it, but you have to accept it," said the guitarist and vocalist, now 60.
During the 2025 interview, Rzeznik also shared he was appreciative of the continued success of "Iris."
"It's been an incredible gift," said Rzeznik.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 1:44 PM.