Slide (song)
Encyclopedia
"Slide" is the title of a song recorded by The Goo Goo Dolls. It was released in September 1998 as the first commercial single release from their sixth studio album, Dizzy Up the Girl
.
The song reached number one on both the Billboard
Adult Top 40 chart and the Modern Rock Tracks
chart, and number eight on the Hot 100 chart in late 1998 and early 1999. The song also debuted at #1 on Canada's Singles chart, and stayed on the chart for 70 more weeks. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA on August 18, 2008.
, has stated definitively that the song refers to a teenage girl in a strict Catholic environment who has become pregnant. She and her boyfriend are debating as to the possibility of abortion
or marriage
. It has been argued that the ending verse of the song suggests the young couple finally opts for an abortion, also suggested is that 'I will run away' means they run away and live their lives, whatever that may be.
Several lines, 'little pieces of the nothing that fall' seem to consider one angle on abortion, while others 'don't you love the life you killed' seem to suggest others. In spite of the 'killed', parts of the song suggest they are still trying to decide what to do. One suggestion even holds that 'the life you killed' is the girl's life, and 'pieces...fall' refers to her possible life with him, coming after 'I'll do anything you ever dreamed to be complete. (Arguments for various interpretations available at the '[1]' link after 'quite some time').
Dizzy Up the Girl
Dizzy Up the Girl is the sixth album by Goo Goo Dolls, released in 1998.-History:In most parts of the world, Dizzy Up the Girl is the Goo Goo Dolls' most successful album to date, selling over 3 million copies...
.
The song reached number one on both the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Adult Top 40 chart and the Modern Rock Tracks
Modern Rock Tracks
Alternative Songs is a music chart in the United States that has appeared in Billboard magazine since September 10, 1988. It lists the 40 most-played songs on modern rock radio stations, most of which are alternative rock songs...
chart, and number eight on the Hot 100 chart in late 1998 and early 1999. The song also debuted at #1 on Canada's Singles chart, and stayed on the chart for 70 more weeks. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA on August 18, 2008.
United Kingdom
- "Slide" - 3:33
- "Acoustic #3" - 1:56
- "Nothing Can Change You" (Tommy KeeneTommy KeeneTommy Keene is an American singer-songwriter, best known for releasing critical acclaimed new wave/power pop songs in the 1980s. He has a longtime cult following among fans of the musical genre of power pop...
cover) - 3:14
Meaning
Speculation as to the song's meaning has persisted for quite some time http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=1235&offset=0&page=1#comments, but Rzeznik himself, in a 2002 performance on VH1 StorytellersVH1 Storytellers
Storytellers is a television music series produced by the VH1 network.In each episode artists perform in front of a live audience, and tell stories about their music, writing experiences and memories, somewhat similar to MTV Unplugged...
, has stated definitively that the song refers to a teenage girl in a strict Catholic environment who has become pregnant. She and her boyfriend are debating as to the possibility of abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
or marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
. It has been argued that the ending verse of the song suggests the young couple finally opts for an abortion, also suggested is that 'I will run away' means they run away and live their lives, whatever that may be.
Several lines, 'little pieces of the nothing that fall' seem to consider one angle on abortion, while others 'don't you love the life you killed' seem to suggest others. In spite of the 'killed', parts of the song suggest they are still trying to decide what to do. One suggestion even holds that 'the life you killed' is the girl's life, and 'pieces...fall' refers to her possible life with him, coming after 'I'll do anything you ever dreamed to be complete. (Arguments for various interpretations available at the '[1]' link after 'quite some time').
Alternate version
- An alternate version/parody called "Pride" has been recorded with ElmoElmoElmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
from Sesame StreetSesame StreetSesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
providing additional vocals. It uses the same music, but has different lyrics. - Cincinnati RedsCincinnati RedsThe Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the National League Central Division. The club was established in 1882 as a charter member of the American Association and joined the National League in 1890....
pitcher Bronson ArroyoBronson ArroyoBronson Anthony Arroyo , is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds and an aspiring musician. He has previously played for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2000 and 2002 and Boston Red Sox from 2003 to 2005...
covered this song on his debut album Covering the BasesCovering the BasesCovering the Bases is the debut album by Major League Baseball pitcher Bronson Arroyo. It was released in 2005 following the Boston Red Sox 2004 World Series Championship, which Arroyo was a part of; he currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds...
. - Rock band Holiday Parade covered the song on the 2010 compilation "Rockin Romance II."
- Power-pop band Hey MondayHey MondayHey Monday is an American rock band from West Palm Beach, Florida, formed in 2008. They released their debut album Hold on Tight in 2008 which produced notable singles "Homecoming" and "How You Love Me Now". The album was followed up with their 2010 EP Beneath It All, which achieved moderate...
performed the song as part of the Alternative Press 2010 Tour.
Peak positions
| Chart (1998) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM RPM (magazine) RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,... Singles Chart Canadian Singles Chart The Canadian Singles Chart is currently compiled by the U.S.-based music sales tracking company, Nielsen SoundScan . The chart is compiled every Wednesday, and is published by Jam! Canoe on Thursdays.... |
1 |
| Canadian RPM Alternative 30 Canadian rock/alternative chart The Canadian rock/alternative chart was first published on June 11, 1995 by RPM magazine under the name Alternative 30. The song which held the number-one spot on this first chart was "More Human than Human" by White Zombie... |
5 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
8 |
| U.S. Billboard Mainstream Tracks | 4 |
| U.S. Billboard Modern Tracks | 1 |
| U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40 | 1 |
| Chart (1999) | Peak position |
| Australian Singles Chart | 29 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 36 |
| UK Singles Chart UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ... |
43 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1999) | Position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Singles Chart | 18 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 13 |