Warning! This article contains spoilers forWicked.
Cynthia Erivo has brought Elphaba’s “Defying Gravity” to the big screen inWicked, but what does this powerful song really mean? This musical number has always been the standout feature of the Broadway show, which debuted back in 2003.“Defying Gravity” is full of emotion and, accompanied by groundbreaking stage effects, is a genius way to endWicked’s first act with a bang.Similarly, Erivo’s performance made for a powerful ending for the firstWickedmovie, leaving audiences to ponder this significant step in Elphaba’s character arc until the release ofWicked: Part 2.
The music ofWickedwas written by legend Stephen Schwartz, who went to great lengths to incorporate bothThe Wizard of Ozand Gregory McQuire’sWickednovel into the Broadway show.Eachsong in theWickedsoundtrackushers characters like Elphaba and Galinda forwardin their story, with notable numbers like “The Wizard and I,” “What is This Feeling,” and “Popular” serving as standouts in the 2024 movie.WhileWicked: Part 2(2025)will keep this going with more impactful songs, nothing can quite compete with the gravity-defying finale of the first movie.
Elphaba’s “Defying Gravity” Song Ends The First Wicked Movie
It’s The Perfect Finale For Wicked’s First Part
“Defying Gravity” is the final song that audiences hear before the intermission and second act of theWickedstage musical, which made it the perfect way for the 2024 movie to leave things off. Erivo’s performance on the screen allowed for a unique interpretation of the song, as Elphaba’s first great flight took her high above the Emerald City as she declared herself an enemy to the Wizard of Oz and all those who follow him.The passion of this is evident through Erivo’s powerful voice and emotive facial expressions, butit’s the lyrics of “Defying Gravity” that make the firstWickedmovie’s ending so powerful.
“Defying Gravity” Song Lyrics Explained
Every Verse In Defying Gravity & Its Meaning
“Defying Gravity” begins inWickedafter Elphaba and Glinda hear Madame Morrible announce to all of Oz thatElphaba is a Wicked Witchwho must be caught at all costs. Morrible and the Wizard were both figures that Elphaba had looked up to and whom she believed could help her protect the rights of Animals. Earning their respect and working by their sides had been deeply important to her. However,seeing Morrible and the Wizard turn against her so quickly initiated a change in Erivo’s Elphaba, and she began to realize that she could depend on no one but herself if she wanted to end the corruption in Oz:
The following lyrics omit Elphaba and Glinda’s duet in “Defying Gravity.”
Something has changed within mе
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by
The rules of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap
It’s time to try defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down
Until this point inWicked, Elphaba pretended not to care what anyone thought of her, but she was lying to herself. More than anything, she wanted love, and she believed that working by the Wizard’s side would finally earn her this. She would fight against the status quo but still looked to people like Madam Morrible for leadership. However, Elphaba’s following lines in “Defying Gravity” describe howshe would no longer put her desire to be loved above her conviction to do what is right:
I’m through accepting limits
‘Cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change
But ‘til I try, I’ll never know
Too long, I’ve been afraid of
Losing love, I guess I’ve lost
Well, if that’s love
It comes at much too high a cost
I’d sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I’m defying gravity
The next verse of “Defying Gravity” is the climactic moment in the song, when Elphaba shoots into the air and offers the line that would deem her the Witch of the “West.” She uses the Wizard’s own words, that “everyone deserves the chance to fly,” against him, stating that while she is doing this alone rather than by the Wizard’s side, she would prefer this if it means freedom:
It’s me
So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
“Everyone deserves the chance to fly”
And if I’m flying solo
At least, I’m flying free
To those who’d ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I’m defying gravity
I’m flying high, defying gravity
And soon, I’ll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down
What The “Defying Gravity” Song Really Means In Wicked
“Defying Gravity” Is An Anthem For The Marginalized
“Defying Gravity” sees Elphaba realize that she must proceed alone without the support of those she loves and idolizes to do what is right. Still, the true meaning of this song comes in many layers. As the standout moment inWicked, “Defying Gravity” has long resonated with audiences for a wide variety of reasons. Some identify with Elphaba’s desire to do what is right, even if it means she will be labeled the enemy. Others see her declaration that she will fly free as a reflection of their own hard-earned decision to be precisely who they were born to be, regardless of how society may criticize them.
Elphaba’s words send a message to members of the LQBTQ+ community, the disabled community, immigrants, underdogs, or anyone else who fits within the category of “other.”
The Wicked Witch of the West flying on her broom is amemorable image fromThe Wizard of Oz, andWickedfound a way to add profound meaning to this retroactively.“Defying Gravity” speaks to anyone who has ever been made to feel like they are the enemytrapped on the outside of accepted society. Elphaba’s words send a message to members of the LQBTQ+ community, the disabled community, immigrants, underdogs, or anyone else who fits within the category of “other.“The Wizard was disingenuous when he said, “Everyone deserves a chance to fly,” but Elphaba took his words inWickedand organically delivered them to anyone and everyone who needed to hear them.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
