What Is This Feeling
Idina Menzel · Other Songs - Idina Menzel
Dearest darlingest Momsie and Popsical...
[ELPHABA]
My dear Father...
[BOTH]
THERE'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 ...
[GLINDA]
UNUSUALLY AND EXCEEDINGLY PECULIAR
AND ALTOGETHER QUITE IMPOSSIBLE TO DESCRIBE ...
[ELPHABA]
BLONDE.
[GLINDA]
WHAT IS THIS FEELING
SO SUDDEN AND NEW?
[ELPHABA]
I FELT THE MOMENT
I LAID EYES ON YOU ...
[GLINDA]
MY PULSE IS RUSHING ...
[ELPHABA]
MY HEAD IS REELING ...
[GLINDA]
MY FACE IS FLUSHING ...
[BOTH]
WHAT IS THIS FEELING?
FERVID AS A FLAME
DOES IT HAVE A NAME?
YES!...
LOATHING
UNADULTERATED LOATHING ...
[GLINDA]
FOR YOUR FACE...
[ELPHABA]
YOUR VOICE ...
[GLINDA]
YOUR CLOTHING ...
[BOTH]
LET'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! SO 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 GLINDA, 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 GLINDA YOU'RE A MARTYR!
[GLINDA]
WELL ... THESE THINGS ARE SENT TO TRY US!
[STUDENTS]
POOR GLINDA, FORCED TO RESIDE
WITH SOMEONE SO DISGUSTICIFIED
WE JUST WANT TO TELL YOU ...
WE'RE ALL ON YOUR SIDE!
WE SHARE YOUR ...
[GLINDA AND ELPHABA sing simultaneously with students
(see their part below)]
WHAT IS THIS FEELING
SO SUDDEN AND NEW?
I FELT THE MOMENT
I LAID EYES ON YOU
MY PULSE IS RUSHING
MY HEAD IS REELING
OH, WHAT IS THIS FEELING?
DOES IT HAVE A NAME?
YES...
[STUDENTS:]
LOATHING
UNADULTERATED LOATHING
FOR HER FACE, HER VOICE
HER CLOTHING
LET'S JUST SAY:
WE LOATHE IT ALL!
EV'RY LITTLE TRAIT
HOWEVER SMALL
MAKES OUR VERY FLESH
BEGIN TO CRAWL..
[ALL:]
AHHH...
LOATHING!
[GLINDA AND ELPHABA:]
[Here students sing "Loathing" in counter point a number of times]
THERE'S A STRANGE EXHILARATION
IN SUCH TOTAL DETESTATION
SO PURE, SO STRONG!
[STUDENTS]
SO STRONG!
[GLINDA AND ELPHABA]
[Students sing back-up "loathing"]
THOUGH I DO ADMIT IT CAME ON FAST
STILL I DO BELIEVE THAT IT CAN LAST ALL
AND I WILL BE LOATHING
FOR FOREVER LOATHING
TRULY, DEEPLY LOATHING YOU LOATHING YOU
FOR MY WHOLE LIFE LONG!
[STUDENTS:]
UNADULTERATED LOATHING
[ELPHABA]
BOO!
About What Is This Feeling
Idina Menzel's "What Is This Feeling" stands as a pivotal moment in her career, marking her transition from stage to mainstream pop success. Originally performed live in 2002, the track became a defining anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within the gay rights movement. The song's soaring melody and Menzel's powerful vocal delivery captured the emotional resonance of coming out and embracing one's identity, earning her widespread acclaim and a Grammy Award. While the recording lacks a traditional album release, it has since been featured on various compilations and live recordings, cementing its status as a staple in her discography. The song's enduring popularity highlights Menzel's versatility as a performer, blending her theatrical background with contemporary pop sensibilities. Its impact extends beyond music, serving as a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire audiences worldwide.