"For Good" is a song featured in the 2025 film Wicked: For Good which was written and composed by Stephen Schwartz. The song is a duet performed by Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland, showcasing their emotional farewell and the impact they've had on each other's lives.
Background[]
In the song, Elphaba and Glinda reflect on their journey together and the profound influence they've had on one another. It is a poignant moment in the film, highlighting themes of friendship, forgiveness, and change. The heartfelt lyrics and melody underscore the deep bond between the characters, making it a standout piece in the movie. Cynthia Erivo's and Ariana Grande's performances bring a powerful emotional depth to the song, resonating with audiences.
The song takes place near the end of the story when Elphaba, the misunderstood and green-skinned witch, prepares to leave her best friend, Glinda, to face her inevitable fate. As the two share a heartfelt goodbye, they reflect on the transformational journey they have gone through together. It expresses their gratitude and the bittersweet nature of parting ways. Elphaba and Glinda acknowledge how they've changed each other "for good," emphasizing the lasting impact of their friendship.
Lyrics[]
Elphaba:
I'm limited
Just look at me
I'm limited
And just look at you
You can do all I couldn't do, Glinda
So now it's up to you
For both of us
Now it's up to you
Glinda:
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Elphaba:
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Glinda:
Because I knew you
Both:
I have been changed for good
Elphaba:
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done
You blame me for
Glinda:
But then, I guess
We know there's blame to share
Both:
And none of it seems to matter anymore
Like a comet pulled from orbit
Like a ship blown from its mooring
As it passes a sun
By a wind off the sea
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Like a seed dropped by a bird
Halfway through the wood
In the wood
Both:
Who can say
If I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better
Glinda:
And because I knew you
Elphaba:
Because I knew you
Both:
Because I knew you
I have been changed
For good
