"Defying Gravity" is a song featured in the 2024 film Wicked which was written and composed by Stephen Schwartz. It is performed by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland. The song marks a pivotal moment in the film where Elphaba decides to embrace her powers and defy the expectations placed upon her. It is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment and defiance.
Background[]
In the film, the song occurs when Elphaba discovers that the Wizard of Oz is not the heroic figure she had believed him to be. Realizing this, and despite Glinda's attempts to dissuade her, Elphaba vows to fight against the Wizard and his oppressive regime. She sings of her desire to live without limits and to defy the rules that others have set for her. During the song, Elphaba enchants a broomstick to levitate and rises from the stage, symbolizing her newfound freedom and determination.
Lyrics[]
Glinda, spoken:
Elphaba
Why couldn't you have stayed calm for once
Instead of flying off the handle?
I hope you're happy
Glinda:
I hope you're happy now
I hope you're happy how you've hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you're clever
Elphaba, spoken:
I hope you're happy
Elphaba:
I hope you're happy too
I hope you're proud how you would
Grovel in submission to feed your own ambition
Glinda and Elphaba:
So though I can't imagine how
I hope you're happy right now
Glinda, spoken:
Elphie, listen to me
Just say you're sorry
Glinda:
You can still be with the Wizard
What you've worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wantеd
Elphaba, spoken:
I know
Elphaba:
But I don't want it
No, I can't want it anymore
Something has changed within mе
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by
The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
Glinda:
Can't I make you understand
You're having delusions of grandeur?
Elphaba:
I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But 'til I try, I'll never know
Too long, I've been afraid of
Losing love, I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost
I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
Elphaba, spoken:
Come with me
Think of what we could do together
Elphaba:
Unlimited
Together, we're unlimited
Together, we'll be the greatest team
There's ever been, Glinda
Dreams the way we planned 'em
Glinda:
If we work in tandem
Glinda and Elphaba:
There's no fight we cannot win
Just you and I defying gravity
With you and I defying gravity
Elphaba:
They'll never bring us down
Elphaba, spoken:
Are you coming?
Glinda:
I hope you're happy
Now that you're choosing this
Elphaba, spoken:
You, too
Elphaba:
I hope it brings you bliss
Glinda and Elphaba:
I really hope you get it
And you don't live to regret it
I hope you're happy in the end
I hope you're happy, my friend
Elphaba, spoken:
No, leave her alone!
She hasn't done anything wrong
I'm the one you want
I'm the one you want!
It's me!
Elphaba:
It's me
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
"Everyone deserves the chance to fly"
And if I'm flying solo
At least, I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I'm defying gravity
I'm flying high, defying gravity
And soon, I'll match them in renown
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited, oh
Elphaba, spoken:
Nobody in all of Oz
Elphaba:
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down
Glinda:
I hope you're happy
Citizens of Oz:
Look at her! She's wicked!
Kill her!
Citizens of Oz and Elphaba:
No one mourns the wicked (Bring me down)
So we've got to bring her
Elphaba:
Oh
Citizens of Oz:
Down
Down
Woah
