3 Answers2026-04-09 07:45:19
The song 'What is This Feeling?' from the musical 'Wicked' is a hilarious and sharply written duet between Galinda and Elphaba, where they pretend to bond over their mutual hatred—only to realize later that they're actually describing the beginnings of friendship. The lyrics are packed with irony and wit, especially since the audience knows they’ll become inseparable. The opening lines, 'What is this feeling so sudden and new? / I felt the moment I laid eyes on you,' are a masterclass in dramatic irony—Galinda thinks she’s describing loathing, but the melody is oddly cheerful, hinting at the truth. The song’s structure mirrors their emotional journey: the verses escalate with exaggerated insults ('Loathing! Unadulterated loathing!'), while the bridge subtly shifts toward reluctant camaraderie. It’s a clever setup for their later bond, and the lyrics’ double meanings make it a fan favorite.
What really stands out is how the song subverts typical 'I hate you' tropes. The over-the-top vocal harmonies and theatrical delivery make it clear that this isn’t genuine animosity—it’s performative, almost like two kids trying to convince themselves they’re enemies. The breakdown of parts highlights this: Galinda’s bubbly soprano contrasts with Elphaba’s drier sarcasm, but their voices blend perfectly in the chorus, foreshadowing their eventual harmony. The lyrics also sneak in nods to their future—like 'My pulse is rushing / My head is reeling'—which could just as easily describe infatuation. It’s a brilliant piece of songwriting that rewards repeat listens.
3 Answers2026-04-09 13:05:19
The lyrics for 'What is This Feeling?' from the musical 'Wicked' are a brilliant mix of sarcasm and youthful angst, perfectly capturing Glinda and Elphaba's initial hostility. The sheet music for this song is usually divided into vocal parts, with Glinda's lines bouncing between playful spite and exaggerated sweetness, while Elphaba's responses are more grounded but equally sharp. The harmonies in the chorus are especially fun—they clash deliberately to emphasize their rivalry before resolving into unison when they ironically agree on hating each other.
If you're looking for the sheet music, I'd recommend checking out official 'Wicked' vocal selections or licensed reproductions. The piano accompaniment has this bouncy, almost mocking rhythm that mirrors the lyrics' tone. The duet sections are written in a call-and-response style, so it's easy to follow who sings what. I once tried performing this with a friend, and the dynamic shifts between the characters make it a blast to sing—though hitting those high notes in Glinda's part requires some serious practice!
3 Answers2026-04-09 12:43:55
The lyrics of 'What is This Feeling' from the musical 'Wicked' are a brilliant mix of irony and humor, wrapped in a catchy tune. On the surface, it seems like a classic 'love at first sight' song, but it's actually about Galinda and Elphaba's instant loathing for each other. The exaggerated sweetness of the melody contrasts hilariously with the venom in lines like 'Loathing! Unadulterated loathing!' It's a masterclass in subverting expectations—using the musical language of romance to describe hatred.
Digging deeper, the song also mirrors how society often forces people into performative relationships. Galinda and Elphaba are literally singing about hating each other in the most cheerful way possible, which feels like a metaphor for fake social niceties. The parts where they mimic each other ('You're gonna be pop-u-lar!') highlight how petty rivalries can become performative. It's savage, clever, and weirdly relatable—who hasn't faked politeness while seething inside?
3 Answers2026-04-09 20:17:56
The lyrics of 'What is This Feeling' from 'Wicked' are a hilarious yet relatable exploration of instant, irrational hatred. Galinda and Elphaba's duet perfectly captures that visceral 'ugh, I can't stand you' moment we've all experienced. The song starts with Galinda's prim, bubbly tone listing petty grievances ('Loathing! Unadulterated loathing!'), while Elphaba's deeper voice drips with sarcasm ('You’re gonna be pop-u-lar'). It’s a masterclass in comedic contrast—their harmonies clash on purpose, mirroring their personalities.
What makes it genius is how it subverts expectations. They’re singing about hating each other, but the peppy Broadway tune makes it absurdly joyful. The lyrics even parody romantic tropes ('Every little trait you have somehow aggravates') which makes the vitriol funnier. I love how it foreshadows their eventual friendship too—that initial 'loathing' feels so intense precisely because it’ll later transform into one of musical theater’s most heartfelt bonds. The song’s a reminder that first impressions are often ridiculous in hindsight.
3 Answers2026-04-09 11:10:20
The lyrics of 'What Is This Feeling?' from 'Wicked' crack me up every time—it’s such a brilliantly sarcastic take on instant hatred. The song plays with the idea of 'loathing' between Galinda and Elphaba, dripping with exaggerated disdain like 'unadulterated loathing' and 'your face is a crime.' It’s hilarious how they frame their animosity as this dramatic, almost romantic tension, but with zero warmth. The harmonies are sharp, the lyrics biting, and it’s a perfect setup for their later friendship. I love how musical theater can turn something as petty as schoolyard rivalry into a showstopper.
What’s even funnier is how the song subverts typical 'love at first sight' tropes. Instead of hearts fluttering, it’s 'my skin’s all blotchy and damp!' The over-the-top delivery makes it a fan favorite—you can’t help but sing along while rolling your eyes at their theatrics. It’s a reminder that 'Wicked' never takes itself too seriously, even while tackling deeper themes. Honestly, I’ve replayed this track just to catch every snarky line—it’s that addictive.