Dear Old Shiz Lyrics

Lyrics Meaning and Impact of "Dear Old Shiz" by Kristin Chenoweth

Dear Old Shiz Lyrics video by Shiz University Choir featuring Ariana Grande — Shiz University Choir featuring Ariana Grande singing the 'Dear Old Shiz' lyrics in the music video.

Song Credits:

Producer(s): Stephen Schwartz
Composer: Stephen Schwartz
Writer: Stephen Schwartz
Release Date: December 16, 2003
Musical Genre: Pop, Broadway
Label: Decca Broadway
Musical Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Harp, Guitar, Drums, Bass, and more
Album: *Wicked (15th Anniversary Special Edition)*
Track #: 2

Song Meaning

Shiz University Choir featuring Ariana Grande performing song Dear Old Shiz — Performance of 'Dear Old Shiz' by Shiz University Choir featuring Ariana Grande in the music video.

"Dear Old Shiz" is a powerful musical number that takes place in the first act of *Wicked*, focusing on Galinda's (later Glinda) recounting of her college years at Shiz University. The song is written with both nostalgia and irony as she sings about her “dear old Shiz,” but her words carry a sense of distancing, both personally and ideologically. The lines begin with the students and Galinda celebrating their school, Shiz University, where they grew up academically and socially. The musical introduces an anthem-like melody, which is often used in theater to establish pride in a place or institution. However, Galinda’s emotional response shows her reluctance to fully embrace the song's meaning. While she acknowledges her shared history with Elphaba, her words are carefully chosen to downplay their connection. The song’s theme of school pride contrasts with the complex relationship between Galinda and Elphaba. As Galinda sings about the university, her recollections are marked by discomfort when recalling her association with Elphaba. She downplays their friendship by stating, “Our paths did cross,” which emphasizes her attempts to minimize their bond in front of the Ozians. This contrast between the celebratory school anthem and her personal disavowal of Elphaba highlights one of the central emotional tensions in *Wicked*—the divide between public appearances and private truths. The song's structure uses choral arrangements to create a layered effect of school spirit, while the simplicity of Galinda's solo lines adds depth to her internal conflict. Through this combination, the song conveys a sense of duality in Galinda’s character—outwardly conforming, while internally questioning her past decisions.

Which songs share same themes or messages?

Thumbnail from Dear Old Shiz lyric video by Shiz University Choir featuring Ariana Grande — A screenshot from the 'Dear Old Shiz' music video, capturing the mood and meaning of the song.

"Popular" by Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda) from *Wicked*: This song shares similar themes of self-image and manipulation, as Galinda works to reshape herself and her social status at Shiz University. While "Dear Old Shiz" reflects the nostalgia of school, "Popular" centers on the superficial aspects of being popular. The two songs connect through their shared focus on social dynamics and the performative nature of identity, often at the expense of others, as seen in Galinda's interactions with Elphaba.
"I Don’t Want to Be" by Gavin DeGraw: This song also deals with the tension between conforming to societal expectations and staying true to oneself. Like Galinda’s conflicted feelings in "Dear Old Shiz," "I Don’t Want to Be" is about rejecting the pressures to fit a particular mold and finding personal identity. Both songs share the emotional core of navigating between public approval and personal truth, with Galinda's self-presentation mirroring DeGraw’s lyrics about wanting independence from external judgments.
"As If We Never Said Goodbye" by Barbra Streisand from *Sunset Boulevard*: This song expresses longing for a past that is no longer accessible. While "Dear Old Shiz" has a tone of bittersweet recollection, Streisand’s ballad conveys a similar emotional dissonance—wanting to return to a time before personal growth and change became inevitable. Both songs reflect a deep connection to one's past while acknowledging the difficulties of reconciling that past with present realities.

Questioning and Answers

Why does Galinda downplay her relationship with Elphaba in "Dear Old Shiz"?: Galinda downplays her relationship with Elphaba in an attempt to distance herself from the negative social stigma associated with her friend. Elphaba's green skin and unconventional nature make her a target of ridicule, and by minimizing their connection, Galinda tries to protect her social standing.
What is the significance of "Dear Old Shiz" in the context of the musical?: "Dear Old Shiz" serves as an important thematic moment in *Wicked*, highlighting the tension between outward conformity and personal authenticity. The song foreshadows the conflict between the two characters, Galinda and Elphaba, and underscores the pressures of fitting into societal molds versus embracing one's true self.
How does "Dear Old Shiz" reflect the broader themes of *Wicked*?: The song encapsulates one of the key themes of *Wicked*: the divide between appearances and reality. While "Dear Old Shiz" celebrates the traditions of Shiz University, Galinda's reluctance to claim Elphaba as a friend reveals the complex dynamics of friendship, acceptance, and societal expectations that permeate the entire musical.

Scene from Dear Old Shiz track by Shiz University Choir featuring Ariana Grande — Visual effects scene from 'Dear Old Shiz' enhancing the experience of the song words and music.

Which Awards and Chart Positions Did "Dear Old Shiz" Achieve?

While "Dear Old Shiz" was not specifically released as a single, it was part of the *Wicked (15th Anniversary Special Edition)* album, which charted on various platforms, including the Billboard 200. The musical's impact continues to resonate, with *Wicked* becoming one of the longest-running Broadway shows and receiving multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2004.

Fan and Media Reactions

"Every time I hear 'Dear Old Shiz,' I can't help but think about how quickly Galinda changed, from being so superficial to understanding the value of true friendship with Elphaba." – User, Genius

"The performance of 'Dear Old Shiz' is always such a powerful reminder of the internal struggles that come with school pride versus personal values. It's a complex song, and I love how it ties into the overall themes of *Wicked*." – Theatre critic, BroadwayWorld

"The nostalgia in this song hits differently when you realize the growing tensions between Galinda and Elphaba. It’s so layered." – Fan, Reddit

"'Dear Old Shiz' is a perfect example of Stephen Schwartz’s genius in capturing the emotional complexity of the characters. Galinda is torn between who she used to be and who she is becoming." – Broadway critic, Playbill

"I love how the song blends school spirit with personal hesitation. It's a beautifully crafted contradiction, just like the entire *Wicked* story." – User, YouTube

Dear Old Shiz lyrics - Wicked

Dear Old Shiz