"What is this Feeling?" is a song featured in the 2024 film Wicked which was written and composed by Stephen Schwartz. It is performed by Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp. The song serves as a key number in the film, highlighting the initial animosity between Glinda and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Background[]
In the film, the song is performed shortly after Glinda and Elphaba meet at Shiz University. It humorously portrays their immediate dislike for each other, which eventually evolves into a complex friendship. The song's lyrics express the intense feelings of loathing that Glinda and Elphaba have for each other upon their first meeting. They write letters to their respective parents, describing their mutual disdain.
Lyrics[]
Glinda:
Dearest, darlingest Momsie and Popsicle...
Elphaba:
My dear father...
Both:
There's been some confusion over rooming here at Shiz
Elphaba:
But of course, I'll care for Nessa
Glinda:
But of course, I'll rise above it
Both:
For I know that's how you'd want me to respond, yes
There's been some confusion for you see my roommate is...
Glinda:
Unusually and exceedingly peculiar
And altogether quite impossible to describe...
Elphaba:
Blonde
Glinda:
What is this feeling, so sudden, and new?
Elphaba:
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
Glinda:
My pulse is rushing
Elphaba:
My head is reeling
Glinda:
My face is flushing
Both:
What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame, does it have a name?
Yes. Loathing!
Unadulterated loathing!
Glinda:
For your face
Elphaba:
Your voice
Glinda:
Your clothing!
Both:
Let's just say—I loathe it all!
Every little trait however small
Makes my very flesh begin to crawl
With simple utter loathing!
There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last
And I will be loathing, loathing you my whole life long
Shiz Students:
Dear Galinda, you are just too good!
How do you stand it, I don't think I could
She's a terror
She's a Tartar
We don't mean to show a bias but Galinda, you're a martyr!
Glinda:
Well, these things are sent to try us...
Shiz Students:
Poor Galinda, forced to reside
With someone so disgusticified
We just want to tell you, we're all on your side!
We share your...
All:
What is this feeling so sudden and new?
Loathing, unadulterated loathing
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
For her face, her voice, her clothing
My pulse is rushing, my head is reeling
Let's just say we loathe it all
Oh, what is this feeling?
Every little trait, however small
Does it have a name? Yes
Makes our very flesh begin to crawl
Ahhh, ;oathing (Loathing)
There's a strange exhilaration (Loathing)
In such total detestation (Loathing)
It's so pure, so strong (So strong)
Both:
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last!
All:
And I will be loathing (Loathing)
For forever, loathing (Loathing)
Truly deeply, loathing you (Loathing, loathing you)
My whole life long (Loathing, unadulterated loathing)
Elphaba:
BOO!
Glinda:
Ahhh!
