"No Good Deed" is a song featured in the 2025 film Wicked: For Good which was written and composed by Stephen Schwartz. The song is a powerful solo performed by Elphaba Thropp, showcasing her inner turmoil and resolve.
Background[]
In the film, "No Good Deed" occurs at a critical moment for Elphaba when she grapples with the consequences of her actions and realizes that her attempts to do good have often led to unintended harm. The song captures her frustration, anger, and ultimate decision to embrace her identity as the Wicked Witch of the West. The song's intense and dramatic melody underscores Elphaba's emotional journey. It is a pivotal moment in the film, highlighting her transformation and the complexity of her character. Cynthia Erivo's powerful performance brings depth and intensity to the song, making it a standout moment in the movie.
Lyrics[]
Fiyero!
Eleka nahmen nahmen
Ah tum ah tum eleka nahmen
Eleka nahmen nahmen
Ah tum ah tum eleka nahmen...
Let his flesh not be torn
Let his blood leave no stain
Though they beat him
Let him feel no pain
Let his bones never break
And however they try
To destroy him
Let him never die
Let him never die
Eleka nahmen nahmen
Ah tum ah tum eleka nahmen
Eleka nahmen nahmen
Ah tum ah tum eleka... eleka...
Ugh! What good is this chanting?
I don't even know what I'm reading
I don't even know what trick I ought to try
Fiyero, where are you? Already dead or bleeding?
One more disaster I can add to my generous supply?
No good deed goes unpunished
No act of charity goes unresented
No good deed goes unpunished
That's my new creed
My road of good intentions
Led where such roads always lead
No good deed
Goes unpunished...
Nessa...
Doctor Dillamond...
Fiyero...
Fiyero!
One question haunts and hurts
Too much, too much to mention:
Was I really seeking good
Or just seeking attention?
Is that all good deeds are
When looked at with an ice-cold eye?
If that's all good deeds are
Maybe that's the reason why...
No good deed goes unpunished
All helpful urges should be circumvented
No good deed goes unpunished
Sure, I meant well
Well, look at what well-meant did...
All right, enough
So be it, so be it then
Let all Oz be agreed
I'm wicked through and through
Since I can not succeed
Fiyero, saving you
I promise no good deed
Will I attempt to do again
Ever again
No good deed will I do again!
