Released in 1994 on the album Hold Me Up, "Hey" stands as a defining anthem of the mid-90s alternative rock era. Written by Billy Joe Shaver and performed by the Goo Goo Dolls, the track blends pop sensibilities with gritty rock instrumentation to create an enduring sound. Its soaring chorus and emotional delivery helped propel the band to mainstream success, establishing them as a staple of the genre. The song's themes of longing and connection resonate across generations, cementing its place in the band's catalog and the broader history of American rock music.