That cinematic starting point is essential if someone wants to understand the song, but it is not its only root. 1997 was a difficult year for John Rzeznik. His marriage had just ended, he was struggling with severe writer’s block, and in general he was in a period of internal turmoil. He later said to Louder that it was a truly manic time in his life and that he was looking for something to hold on to. And then “Iris” came. What surprised him most was how easily the song emerged.