Name (song)

Name

CD single - USA - 1st edition.

Artist	Goo Goo Dolls
Published	1995-03-14
Composer	Johnny Rzeznik
Genre	Alternative rock
Themes	Depression, Desire, Sorrow
Rating

Name is an alternative rock song by Goo Goo Dolls first released on 1995-03-14 on the album A Boy Named Goo, then later as a single on 1995-09-26. There were a number of different singles each with a variety of B-sides. Two versions of the song exist, the full-length album version with a length of 4:30 and an edited single version at 4:04, although most versions of the single use the album version.

The song was composed primarily by Johnny Rzeznik with Robby Takac. The album recording features Rzeznik on vocals and acoustic guitar, Takac on bass, George Tutuska on drums.

In the song, there are two people who were close when they were young, but one of them left to become famous. The song is sung from the person who remained in obscurity who still thinks about the other person frequently, and only has memories of how they used to be, and would gladly help their friend return to their obscure lives, even if only for a while. The music video makes this relationship a man pining for a woman, but the lyrics don't specify genders. Although Tutuska played drums on the recording, the music video features Mike Manlin who replaced Tutuska.

Personal

To me, it's both sweet how the person still has such strong feelings for the other person, but also a bit pathetic how they want to control the other person's life and keep them a nobody, even when they don't want to be. I love the acoustic guitar riffs throughout the song, and think the lyrics paint a palpable picture. We've all tossed our childhood dreams aside, many of us feel like orphans who don't know their names. I really like the line, "scars are souvenirs you never lose."

Lyrics

And even though the moment passed me by,
I still can't turn away.
Cause all the dreams you never thought you'd lose,
Tossed along the way.
Letters that you never meant to send,
Lost or thrown away.

And now we're grownup orphans,
That never knew their names.
We don't belong to no one,
That's a shame.
You could hide beside me,
Maybe for a while.
And I won't tell no one your name.

And I won't tell 'em your name.

Scars are souvenirs you never lose.
Past is never far.
Did you lose yourself somewhere out there?
Did you get to be a star?
Don't it make you sad to know that life,
Is more than who we are?

You grew up way too fast,
And now there's nothing to believe.
And reruns all become our history.
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio,
And I won't tell no one your name.

And I won't tell 'em your name.
I won't tell 'em your name.

Mmmmm, em hm.
I won't tell 'em your name.
Oh!

I think about you all the time,
But I don't need the same.
It's lonely where you are come back down,
And I won't tell 'em your name.