[Glinda:]
Elphaba
Why couldn’t you have stayed calm for once
Instead of flying off the handle?
I hope you’re happy
I hope you’re happy now
I hope you’re happy how you’ve hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you’re clever
[Elphaba:]
I hope you’re happy
I hope you’re happy too
I hope you’re proud how you would
Grovel in submission to feed your own ambition
[Glinda & Elphaba:]
So though I can’t imagine how
I hope you’re happy right now
[Glinda:]
Elphie, listen to me
Just say you’re sorry
You can still be with the Wizard
What you’ve worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wanted
[Elphaba:]
I know
But I don’t want it
No, I can’t want it anymore
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by
The rules of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes, and leap
It’s time to try defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down
[Glinda:]
Can’t I make you understand
You’re having delusions of grandeur?
[Elphaba:]
I’m through accepting limits
‘Cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change
But ’til I try, I’ll never know
Too long I’ve been afraid of
Losing love, I guess I’ve lost
Well, if that’s love
It comes at much too high a cost
I’d sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I’m defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down
Come with me
Think of what we could do together
Unlimited
Together, we’re unlimited
Together we’ll be the greatest team there’s ever been, Glinda
Dreams the way we planned ’em
[Glinda:]
If we work in tandem
[Glinda & Elphaba:]
There’s no fight we cannot win
Just you and I defying gravity
With you and I defying gravity
[Elphaba:]
They’ll never bring us down
Are you coming?
[Glinda:]
I hope you’re happy
Now that you’re choosing this
[Elphaba:]
You, too
I hope it brings you bliss
[Glinda & Elphaba:]
I really hope you get it
And you don’t live to regret it
I hope you’re happy in the end
I hope you’re happy, my friend
[Elphaba:]
No, leave her alone!
She hasn’t done anything wrong
I’m the one you want
I’m the one you want
It’s me
It’s me
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
“Everyone deserves the chance to fly”
And if I’m flying solo
At least, I’m flying free
To those who’d ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I’m defying gravity
I’m flying high, defying gravity
And soon, I’ll match them in renown
Unlimited
[Glinda:]
Unlimited
[Elphaba:]
Unlimited
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down
[Glinda:]
I hope you’re happy
[Citizens of Oz:]
Look at her! She’s wicked!
Get her!
[Citizens of Oz (Elphaba):]
No one mourns the wicked (Bring me down)
So we’ve got to bring her
[Elphaba:]
Oh
[Citizens of Oz:]
Down
Down
Woah
Empowerment and Self-Discovery
“Defying Gravity,” as performed by Ariana Grande, is an inspiring anthem about breaking free from expectations and embracing one’s true self. The song captures a pivotal moment between two characters, Glinda and Elphaba, highlighting the struggle between conformity and individuality. Elphaba’s decision to “defy gravity” symbolizes her refusal to be limited by societal norms or others’ ambitions. Through powerful exchanges and soaring declarations, the lyrics remind listeners of the importance of trusting oneself, taking risks, and the courage it takes to stand alone in pursuit of personal freedom.
The Power of Friendship and Letting Go
The relationship between Glinda and Elphaba adds emotional depth to the song, illustrating the pain and hope that come with diverging paths. Their mutual wishes for each other’s happiness, despite their differences, reflect both the strength and the heartbreak of true friendship. Ultimately, “Defying Gravity” is a celebration of growth, resilience, and the transformative power of self-belief.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Stephen Schwartz
- Release Year: 2021
- Label: Republic Records