Goo Goo Dolls’ “Slide” Lyrics Meaning
On the surface, we can say Goo Goo Dolls’ “Slide” is a love song. That is to say that the majority of the lyrics are centered on the singer more or less admiring his significant other. However, there are some parts of the narrative, although only being touched upon briefly, which stick out a sore thumb.
A Pregnant Addressee
For instance, the singer states that the addressee, i.e. his lover, has “killed” a “life”. Moreover he lets it be known that both of her parents are quite pissed with her. And that in the midst of it all she has been liaising with a priest, whom we can say in this case is more or less akin to a guidance counselor. And ultimately, what is going down is this. According to John Rzeznik, i.e. the writer of “Slide”, both the singer and the addressee are teenagers. And more importantly the addressee is actually pregnant. So basically she and the singer are debating whether or not to abort the pregnancy. Or – perhaps due to the fact that the addressee is from a stern Catholic household – if she does actually keep the child then the two of them will get married.
Now in reality, that aspect of the storyline is only present in the second verse. Throughout the rest of the song, the singer is basically expressing his desire to be with the woman he loves (i.e. the addressee) and prove his worth to her. So all things considered, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to conclude that he does in fact want her to keep the child.
And in terms of the title of the tune the word slide, as a colloquial expression, can mean different things. But considering the contexts the singer uses it in, it seems he is telling his partner that no matter what her decision may be he has her back.
Facts about “Slide”
“Slide” was released as the second single from the Goo Goo Dolls’ album “Dizzy Up the Girl” on 17 September 1998. And the label that put it out is Warner Bros. Records.
“Slide” topped four different Billboard Carts (including the Mainstream Top 40). Additionally it peaked at number 8 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Indie charts.
It also scored a number one on Canada Top Singles. In doing so, it became one of only three songs ever, as of the year 2020 going, to actually debut at number one on this chart.
And outside of the US, UK and Canada, “Slide” also charted in a couple of European countries in addition to New Zealand and Australia.
The direction of the music video to this track was handled by Nancy Bardawil and was filmed in Los Angeles.
“Slide” was written by Goo Goo Dolls’ frontman Rzeznik. And the track was produced by Rob Cavallo.
