"Wonderful" is a song featured in the 2025 film Wicked: Part Two which was written and composed by Stephen Schwartz. The song is performed by Elphaba Thropp, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, and it captures a pivotal moment in the film where Elphaba reflects on her journey and the choices she has made.
Background[]
In the film, "Wonderful" is sung by Elphaba as she contemplates the complexities of her identity and the impact of her actions on the world around her. The song delves into themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the duality of good and evil. It serves as a moment of introspection for Elphaba, highlighting her internal struggles and her resolve to embrace her true self despite the challenges she faces. The song's lyrics explore Elphaba's realization that her perceived wickedness is a matter of perspective and that she has the power to define her own destiny. The chorus emphasizes the idea that being "wonderful" is about staying true to oneself and making a positive impact, regardless of how others may perceive you.
Lyrics[]
Wizard:
I never asked for this
Or planned it in advance
I was merely blown here
By the winds of chance
I never saw myself
As a Solomon or Socrates
I knew who I was:
One of your dime a dozen
Mediocrities
Then suddenly I'm here
Respected, worshipped, even
Just because the folks in Oz
Needed someone to believe in
Does it surprise you
I got hooked, and all too soon?
What can I say? I got carried away
And not just by balloon
Wonderful
They called me "Wonderful"
So I said "Wonderful, if you insist"
I will be "Wonderful"
And they said "Wonderful"
Believe me, it's hard to resist
'Cause it feels wonderful
They think I'm wonderful
Hey, look who's wonderful
This corn-fed hick
Who said, "It might be keen
To build a town of green
And a wonderful road of yellow brick!"
[spoken]
See, I never had a family of my own
So, I guess I just wanted to give the citizens of Oz everything
Elphaba, spoken:
So you lied to them
Wizard, spoken:
Elphaba, where I'm from
We believe all sorts of things that aren't true
We call it "history."
[sung]
A man's called a traitor or liberator
A rich man's a thief or philanthropist
Is one a crusader or ruthless invader?
It's all in which label is able to persist
There are precious few at ease
With moral ambiguities
So we act as though they don't exist
They call me "Wonderful"
So I am wonderful
In fact, it's so much who I am
It's part of my name
And with my help, you can be the same
At long, long last receive your due long overdue
Elphaba, the most celebrated are the rehabilitated
There'll be such a whoop-de-doo
A celebration throughout Oz
That's all to do with you
Wonderful
They'll call you wonderful
Elphaba:
It does sound wonderful
Wizard:
Trust me, it's fun
Both:
When you are wonderful
It would be wonderful
Wonderful, wonderful
Wizard:
One! Two! And
