☝️ Key Points
- Elphaba fights against society's expectations and limitations
- She refuses to submit to the wizard and pursues her own goals
- The chorus calls to defy gravity and pursue one's own dreams
- The text contains a message of hope and courage
- Elphaba calls on her friend Glinda to work together and achieve great things
Interpretation
The song lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' from the musical
Wicked are about the main character Elphaba, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West. The lyrics describe her struggle against the expectations and limitations imposed on her by society.
The opening lines of the lyrics show how Elphaba is criticized by the people around her and how she doesn't fit into their plans. She is accused of forever damaging her cause and it is implied that she is selfish and pursuing her own goals.
Others ask Elphaba to submit to the Wizard and apologize, but she refuses. She realizes that something has changed within her and that she no longer wants to play by the rules of others. She is willing to overcome her fears and embrace the unknown.
The chorus of the song calls for defying gravity, metaphorically crossing boundaries and limitations and pursuing one's own dreams. Elphaba no longer wants to be controlled by others and is determined to move forward no matter what.
The lyrics also contain a message of hope and courage. Elphaba declares that she is willing to accept the consequences of her decisions and considers the love she has lost as too high a price. She is willing to risk everything to be free and happy.
At the end of the lyrics, Elphaba calls on her friend Glinda to work together and achieve great things. She dreams of fighting together against all odds and making their dreams come true.
Overall, 'Defying Gravity' is about not allowing oneself to be restricted by society's expectations and having the courage to follow one's own path, even if it means swimming against the current. It is an anthem to self-determination and belief in oneself, which can triumph over obstacles.