Wicked: For Good

Wicked is one play I would love to watch on Broadway if I’ll ever have the chance. And this is one song that really strikes a nerve and never gets old. Because there will always be people who will come into your life and it just changes you. Your attitude perhaps? And you make that change not because they told you so but because you realize for yourself that it will make a better version of you. I can never thank you enough.

Wickedly For Good

Way back in the 90s, I have developed a liking for broadway music.  The lyrics of the songs are just too pure and raw.  I don’t know how to explain how the music makes me feel; just that it hits you right through the heart.

The first broadway I was able to appreciate was The Phantom of the Opera.  I could almost feel the Phantom’s heart breaking when he sang the reprise of, All I Ask of You.  Then there are songs from Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Chess, among others.

And recently, I have a new favorite, Wicked the Musical.  It is the story of two unlikely characters; Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.  Elphaba, is the girl with emerald green skin; she’s smart, has strong personality, and often misunderstood. Glinda, on the other hand, is beautiful, determined and popular.

I first heard about this play while I was listening to the radio. The DJ love the song, Defying Gravity because it’s empowering and something worth listening to especially on a Monday morning. But my personal favorite is the song, For Good, a duet by Elphaba and Glinda. 

Here’s the lyrics and you’ll see why this song has never failed to make people who’ve seen the play and heard this song cry everytime.  Because at one point in our lives, we find someone who makes us who we are today; it could be our parents, teacher, friend or someone special who somehow led us to become (hopefully) better (not bitter) persons.

(Elphaba): I’m limited Just look at me – I’m limited And just look at you You can do all I couldn’t do, Glinda So now it’s up to you For both of us – now it’s up to you… (Glinda): I’ve heard it said That people come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn And we are led To those who help us most to grow If we let them And we help them in return Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true But I know I’m who I am today Because I knew you… Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through the wood Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good (Elphaba): It well may be That we will never meet again In this lifetime So let me say before we part So much of me Is made of what I learned from you You’ll be with me Like a handprint on my heart And now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine By being my friend… Like a ship blown from its mooring By a wind off the sea Like a seed dropped by a skybird In a distant wood Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you

(Glinda): Because I knew you  (Both): I have been changed for good (Elphaba): And just to clear the air I ask forgiveness For the things I’ve done you blame me for (Glinda): But then, I guess we know There’s blame to share (Both): And none of it seems to matter anymore (Glinda): Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through the wood (Elphaba): Like a ship blown from its mooring By a wind off the sea Like a seed dropped by a bird in the wood (Both): Who can say if I’ve been Changed for the better? I do believe I have been Changed for the better (Glinda): And because I knew you… (Elphaba): Because I knew you… (Both): Because I knew you… I have been changed for good…