[Galinda:]
Dearest, darlingest Momsie and Popsicle
[Elphaba:]
My dear father
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
There’s been some confusion over rooming here at Shiz
[Elphaba:]
But of course, I’ll care for Nessa
[Galinda:]
But of course, I’ll rise above it
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
For I know that’s how you’d want me to respond
Yes
There’s been some confusion for, you see, my roommate is
[Galinda:]
Unusually and exceedingly peculiar
And altogether quite impossible to describe
[Elphaba:]
Blonde
[Galinda:]
What is this feeling, so sudden and new?
[Elphaba:]
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
[Galinda:]
My pulse is rushing
[Elphaba:]
My head is reeling
[Galinda:]
Yeah, well, my face is flushing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame
Does it have a name?
Yes
Loathing
Unadulterated loathing
[Galinda:]
For your face
[Elphaba:]
Your voice
[Galinda:]
Your clothing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
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
[Galinda:]
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 loathing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
What is this feeling, so sudden and new?
[Shiz students:]
Unadulterated loathing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
[Shiz students:]
For her face, her voice, her clothing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
My pulse is rushing
[Shiz students:]
Let’s just say
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
My head is reeling
[Shiz students:]
We loathe it all
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
Oh, what is this feeling?
[Shiz students:]
Every little trait, however small
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
Does it have a name?
[Shiz students:]
Makes our very flesh begin to crawl
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
Yes
[All:]
Ah
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
Loathing
[Shiz students:]
Loathing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
There’s a strange exhilaration
[Shiz students:]
Loathing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
In such total detestation
[Shiz students:]
Loathing
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
It’s so pure, so strong
[Shiz students:]
So strong
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
Though I do admit, it came on fast
Still, I do believe that it can last
[Galinda & Elphaba {All} (Shiz students):]
And I will be {loathing for forever}
{Loathing} truly deeply
{Loathing} you (Loathing you)
[Galinda & Elphaba:]
My whole life long
[Shiz students:]
Loathing
Unadulterated loathing
[Elphaba:]
Boo!
[Galinda:]
Ah!
An Unlikely Bond: Exploring “What Is This Feeling?”
“What Is This Feeling?” captures the amusing friction and instant dislike between two unlikely roommates, Galinda and Elphaba. The lyrics playfully depict their initial reactions, filled with exaggerated loathing for each other’s personalities and appearances. Rather than genuine animosity, the song uses humor and hyperbole to highlight how first impressions can be intense and misleading. The interplay between the characters, topped by the chorus of Shiz students, adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing the comedic and theatrical nature of their rivalry. Ultimately, the song pokes fun at how strong emotions—whether positive or negative—can forge lasting connections.
Song Credits
- Artist: Ariana Grande
- Songwriters: Stephen Schwartz