What Is This Feeling?
Wicked · Wicked
Dearest, darlingest momsie and popsicle
Elphaba(Spoken):
My dear father
Both:
There's been some confusion over rooming her at Shiz,
Elphaba:
But of course I'll care for Nessa
Galinda:
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(spoken):
Blonde
Galinda:
What is this feeling so sudden and new?
Elphaba:
I felt 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, yeeesss,
loathing unadulterated loathing
Galinda:
for your face
Elphaba:
your voice
Galinda:
Your clothing
Both:
lets just say I loathe it all.
Every little trait however small,
makes my very flesh begin to crawl, with simple utter loathing
theres a strange exilhiration 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
Ozians:
Dear Galinda you are just too good
how do you stand it i dont think i could
she's a terror she's a tartar we dont mean to show a bias
but Galinda you're a martyr.
Galinda:
Well, these things are sent to try us.
Ozians:
Poor Galinda forced to reside
with someone so disgusticified
we just want to tell you we're all on your side!
we share your
Ozians, Elphaba and Galinda:
Loathing, What is this feeling so
unadulterated loathing sudden and new felt the
for her face moment I laid eyes on
her voice you,my pulse is
her clothing rushing my head is
lets just say reeling
WE LOATHE IT ALL!
Oh what is this feeling?
every little trait however
small makes our very flesh does it have a name
begin to crawl yes, ahhhh
Loathing
Loathing
There's a strange
exhiliration
Loathing
In such total
detestation
Loathing
It's so pure so strong
So strong
Galinda and Elphaba:
Though I do admit it came on fast
still I do believe that it can last and I will be
Ozians: Galinda and Elphaba:
Loathing Loathing for forever
Loathing Loathing
truly deeply loathing
Loathing you you
my whole life long
loathing, unadulterated loathing
Elphaba(speaking):
Boo!
Galinda(speaking):
Ahh!
What Is This Feeling?
Performed by the Wicked cast, this track serves as a pivotal moment in the musical's narrative, capturing the protagonist's emotional turmoil and realization of her true nature. The song appears on the 2003 Original Broadway Cast recording, where it is delivered with a blend of pop and rock influences characteristic of the production's score. It stands alongside other key numbers such as 'Defying Gravity' and 'For Good,' contributing to the album's exploration of themes like identity, transformation, and the consequences of past actions. The recording captures the raw intensity of the character's journey, utilizing a dynamic arrangement that shifts from introspective balladry to powerful, driving rhythms. As a staple of the show's repertoire, the piece remains a defining element of the musical's emotional landscape, resonating with audiences through its depiction of complex internal conflict and eventual acceptance.