"The Wicked Witch of the East" is a song featured in the 2025 film Wicked: For Good which was written and composed by Stephen Schwartz. The song marks a significant moment in the film where Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland confront their past and the consequences of their actions. It is a haunting and emotional piece that delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexity of their relationship.
Background[]
In the film, the song occurs when Elphaba and Glinda revisit the events that led to the death of Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East. The song explores their feelings of remorse and the impact of their choices on their lives and the lives of those around them. It serves as a turning point for both characters, highlighting their internal struggles and the bond they share despite their differences. As they sing, flashbacks reveal the moments leading up to Nessarose's demise, including Elphaba's attempts to help her sister and Glinda's role in the unfolding events. The song's lyrics reflect their inner conflict and the weight of their actions, as they grapple with the consequences of their choices.
Lyrics[]
Nessarose, spoken:
Elphaba, shut up! First of all
I can't harbor a fugitive, I am an unelected official
And why should I help you?
You fly around Oz trying to rescue Animals you've never even met
And not once have you ever thought to use your powers to rescue me!
All of my life, I've depended on you
(sung)
How do you think that feels?
All of my life, I've depended on you
And this hideous chair with wheels
Scrounging for scraps of pity to pick up
And longing to kick up my heels
Elphaba, spoken:
Nessa, there isn't a spell for everything
The... the power is mysterious, it not like cobbling up a pair of... wait!
(sung)
Ambulahn Dare Pahto Pahpoot
Nessarose, spoken:
What are you doing?
Elphaba, sung:
Ambulahn Dasca Caldapess
Nessarose, spoken:
What does that mean?
Elphaba, sung:
Lahfenahto Lahfenahtum
Pede Pede Caldapess
Ambulahn Dare
Pahto Pahpoot
Lahfenahto Lahfenahtum
Pede Pede Caldapess
Nessa:
Oh! My shoes!
They feel like they're on fire!
What have you done to my shoes?
No! No, don't help me
Elphaba, spoken:
Oh Nessa, at last!
(sung)
I've done what long ago I should
And finally from these powers something good
Finally, something good
Nessarose, spoken:
Boq! Boq, come quickly!
Boq, spoken:
You did this for her?
Nessarose, spoken:
For both of us!
Boq, spoken:
Oh Nessa... this changes everything
Nessarose, spoken:
I know
Boq, spoken:
Nessa
Nessarose, spoken:
Yes?
Boq, sung:
Oh, Nessa
Surely now I'll matter less to you
You won't mind my leaving here tonight
Nessarose, spoken:
Leaving?
Boq, sung:
Yes
That ball that's being staged
Announcing Glinda is engaged
To Fiyero
Nessarose, spoken:
Glinda?
Boq, sung:
Yes Nessa, that's right
I've got to go appeal to her
Express the way I feel for her
(spoken)
Nessa, I lost my heart to Glinda from the moment I first saw her. You know that
Nessarose, spoken:
Lost your heart?
(sung)
Well, we'll see about that
Elphaba, spoken:
Nessa, let him go
Nessarose, sung:
Did you think I'd let you leave me here flat?!
Boq, spoken:
Don't come any closer!
Nessarose, sung:
You're going to lose your heart to me, I tell you!
If I have, I have to... magic spell you
Ah... Tum... Core... Tum... Ah... Tum... Tah... Tayk–
Elphaba:
Nessa, no, it's dangerous...
Boq:
What's she doing?
Elphaba:
You're pronouncing the words all wrong...
Boq:
I'm warning you! Don't try to stop me!
Oh!
Elphaba:
Oh no... Nessa!
Nessa:
Boq, what is it?
Boq:
My heart... it feels... it feels like it's shrinking!
Nessa:
Oh, Elphaba, do something!
Elphaba:
I can't. You can't reverse a spell once it's been cast
Nessa, spoken:
Then what do we do?! This is all your fault! If you had not shown me that horrendible book
Elphaba, spoken:
I've got to find another spell. It's the only thing that might work
Nessarose, sung:
Save him please, just save him
My poor Boq, my sweet, my brave him
Don't leave me 'til my sorry life has ceased
Alone and loveless here
Just the girl in the mirror
Just her and me, Wicked Witch of the East!
We deserve each other
