What Is This Feeling? Lyrics - Wicked

What Is This Feeling? Lyrics

What Is This Feeling?

GALINDA
(spoken) Dearest darlingest Momsie and Popsical:

ELPHABA
(spoken) My dear Father:

BOTHThere's been some confusion
Over rooming here at Shiz:

ELPHABA
But of course, I'll care for Nessa:

GLINDA
But of course, I'll rise above it:

BOTH
For I know that's how you'd want me to respond
Yes, there's been some confusion
For you see, my room-mate is:

GALINDA
Unusually and exceedingly peculiar
And altogether quite impossible to describe:

ELPHABA
Blonde.

GALINDA
What is this feeling?
So sudden and new?

ELPHABAI felt it the moment
I laid eyes on you:

GALINDA
My pulse is rushing:

ELPHABA
My head is reeling:

GALINDA
My face is flushing:

BOTH
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

BOTHLet's just say - I loathe it all
Ev'ry 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 and 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!

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!

STUDENTS
Poor Galinda, forced to reside
With someone so disgusticified
We all just want to tell you:
We're all on your side!
We share your:

GALINDA AND ELPHABA STUDENTS
What is this feeling Loathing
So sudden and new? Unadulterated loathing
I felt the moment For her face, her voice
I laid eyes on you Her clothing
My pulse is rushing Let's just say:
My head is reeling We loathe it all!
Oh, what is this feeling? Ev'ry little trait
Does it have a name? Makes our very flesh
Yes: Begin to crawl:.
Ahhh: Ahhh:

ALL
Loathing!

GALINDA AND ELPHABA ALL
There's a strange exhilaration Loathing
In such total detestation Loathing
So pure, so strong Loathing

STUDENTS
So strong!

GALINDA AND ELPHABA
Though I do admit it came on fast
Still I do believe that it can last ALL
And I will be loathing Loathing
For forever loathing Loathing
Truly deeply loathing Loathing you
My whole Loathing
Life long! Unadulterated loathing

ELPHABA
Boo!


Exploring the Iconic 'What Is This Feeling?' from Wicked

Lauren Samuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer performing 'What Is This Feeling?' from Wicked
Lauren Samuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer performing the iconic "What Is This Feeling?" from Wicked.

Song Credits

  • Artist: Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel
  • Song Writer: Stephen Schwartz
  • Producer: Stephen Schwartz
  • Label: Decca Broadway
  • Release Date: December 16, 2003
  • Album: Wicked (15th Anniversary Special Edition)
  • Musical Genre: Pop, Broadway
  • Language: English

Song Meaning

Lauren Samuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer performing 'What Is This Feeling?'
Lauren Samuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer capturing the audience's attention with 'What Is This Feeling?' in *Wicked*.
"What Is This Feeling?" marks the first song where Elphaba and Galinda (Glinda) sing together in *Wicked*. Initially, these two characters, who are assigned as roommates at Shiz, despise each other. The song is a comedic portrayal of their mutual hatred and the intensity of their first meeting. The contrasting personalities and backgrounds of the two characters, one awkward and misunderstood (Elphaba), the other confident and popular (Galinda), set the stage for a dramatic and humorous clash. The song starts with both characters writing letters to their respective parents, with Galinda’s letter being full of affection and love, while Elphaba’s is formal and devoid of any warmth. They both reveal how they feel about one another, struggling to put into words the depth of their distaste. Ultimately, they settle on calling it “loathing” – an intense feeling of hatred.

Loathing as a Subtle Reflection of Attraction

The irony of the song is that the language used is similar to that of a love song. Phrases like “What is this feeling, so sudden and new?” and “My pulse is rushing, my head is reeling” are typically found in romantic songs, but here they are used to describe the mutual loathing Elphaba and Galinda feel for each other. The comedic twist is that these feelings are not of love but of repulsion, which adds both humor and depth to the character dynamics. The juxtaposition of superficial judgments made by both characters (Elphaba criticizes Galinda’s voice, and Galinda criticizes Elphaba’s looks) illustrates their initial inability to look beyond external features. This sets up a poignant commentary on how society often judges individuals based on surface traits rather than their true character.

Symbolism and Foreshadowing

There is also foreshadowing in the song. As Galinda sings, “rise above it,” she hits a higher note than Elphaba, symbolizing her eventual rise in social status, while Elphaba remains in the shadows for much of the story. This line not only reflects Galinda's future role as an aide to the Wizard but also hints at the literal rise that both characters will experience — with Elphaba soaring on her broomstick and Galinda floating in her bubble. It is a clever use of word painting, with musical notes mirroring the characters' emotional trajectories.

The Subtext of Attraction

The song’s lighthearted portrayal of intense dislike is also filled with subtext. The strong emotions they express in their loathing may hint at deeper, more complex feelings, including a possible sexual attraction. This is a theme that *Wicked* subtly plays with throughout, as evidenced by the dynamic between the two women. In Gregory Maguire’s novel, which inspired *Wicked*, there is a suggestion of romantic tension between the two characters, and this tension continues to be explored in the musical.

Songs Sharing Similar Themes

Lauren Samuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer performing 'What Is This Feeling?'
A moment from the performance of 'What Is This Feeling?' that shows the contrast between Galinda and Elphaba's personalities.
  1. 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked (Idina Menzel): This song marks Elphaba’s declaration of independence as she chooses to embrace her true self, despite society’s rejection. It contrasts with 'What Is This Feeling?' as it marks a shift from the antagonism between Galinda and Elphaba to a moment of self-empowerment and freedom.
  2. 'You Can't Stop the Beat' from Hairspray (Multiple Artists): Like 'What Is This Feeling?', this song celebrates freedom and individuality but through the lens of an energetic group number. Both songs emphasize defiance against societal norms, but 'You Can't Stop the Beat' is more exuberant in its energy.
  3. 'Take Me or Leave Me' from Rent (Idina Menzel & Tracie Thoms): This song explores the complex dynamic between two characters who are deeply intertwined but struggling with their differences. It shares the combative and emotional energy of 'What Is This Feeling?' while touching on themes of love, hate, and everything in between.

Questions and Answers

What does the phrase "unadulterated loathing" mean in 'What Is This Feeling?'
The phrase refers to pure, unfiltered hatred. Both Elphaba and Galinda use it to describe their intense dislike for each other, which is the central theme of the song.
How does the song foreshadow the future relationship between Elphaba and Galinda?
While initially filled with hatred, the song’s dynamic hints at the underlying connection between the two characters. Their futures are deeply intertwined, as they eventually form a bond of friendship despite their rocky start.
What is the significance of the word "loathing" in the song?
The use of "loathing" instead of "love" in a song that mimics a traditional love song creates irony and humor. It reflects the antagonism between the characters and also serves as a playful subversion of the romantic trope often seen in musicals.

Awards and Chart Positions

  • 'What Is This Feeling?' has become one of the most recognized numbers from *Wicked*, gaining significant attention in the musical theater community and being frequently performed in Broadway concerts and special editions.
  • The 15th Anniversary Special Edition of *Wicked* was met with critical acclaim and strong chart performances, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

Fan and Media Reactions

Lauren Samuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer performing 'What Is This Feeling?'
Audience reactions to 'What Is This Feeling?' show the playful animosity between Galinda and Elphaba.
"The chemistry between Kristin and Idina in this song is perfect. They play off each other’s energy so well, and it’s so fun to watch!" — Broadway fan.
"I love how 'What Is This Feeling?' captures the essence of their rivalry. It’s hilarious but also so telling of their personalities." — Theatergoer on YouTube.
"This song perfectly encapsulates the humor and depth of the characters. Their animosity is both comedic and relatable, and the song's structure makes it memorable." — Musical theater critic.


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Musical: Wicked. Song: What Is This Feeling?. Broadway musical soundtrack lyrics. Song lyrics from theatre show/film are property & copyright of their owners, provided for educational purposes