Wicked Songs: All the Songs from Wicked the Musical (2025 Guide)
Wicked has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its powerful story and unforgettable songs. It reveals the untold story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch, showing what happened before Dorothy arrived in Oz.
With music by Stephen Schwartz, the Wicked soundtrack is packed with show-stopping anthems and emotional ballads. The songs don’t just entertain. They bring the story to life and give us a deeper understanding of the characters.
In this guide, we cover all the songs from Wicked, what they mean for the story, and why they’ve become fan favourites.
Key Takeaways
- Wicked Songs in Order: Find out about all the songs in Wicked from start to finish, including key moments for characters like Elphaba and Glinda.
- Emotional Highlights: Learn about songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”, which are central to the musical’s emotional depth.
- Significance of Each Song: Discover how each track contributes to the story, from Elphaba’s dreams in “The Wizard and I” to the powerful finale.
Songs from Wicked the Musical
Below are all the songs from the Wicked stage musical, in order of their appearance. Each track helps to tell the story, bringing the world of Oz to life. Whether you’re listening to the cast album or catching a live performance, these songs are what make Wicked so magical.
No One Mourns the Wicked
The show opens with a grand and somber number. The citizens of Oz celebrate the death of the Wicked Witch, singing joyfully about her end.
Glinda floats in on a bubble, a familiar image from The Wizard of Oz. Instead of joining in the celebration, she poses a deeper question to the crowd: “Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
This question sets up the entire story, hinting that Glinda knows more about Elphaba than she lets on. A flashback reveals Elphaba’s origins, including the moment she was born with green skin. It’s a vibrant opener that immediately sets the tone of the show.
Dear Old Shiz
This song transports us to Shiz University, where Elphaba and Glinda first meet. The students sing nostalgically about their time at Shiz, but Elphaba’s entrance interrupts the harmony. Her green skin shocks everyone around her, highlighting how different her experience at Shiz will be.
This song sets up Elphaba’s struggles with acceptance and hints at the conflicts she’ll face throughout the story.
The Wizard and I
Elphaba’s first major solo, “The Wizard and I,” is filled with hope and longing. Madame Morrible tells Elphaba that her magical abilities could make her the Wizard’s right-hand witch. This revelation fills Elphaba with optimism.
She dreams of being recognised for her talents and finally feeling like she belongs. She even imagines the Wizard might change her green skin and make her “normal.”
It’s a turning point where Elphaba’s dreams seem within reach, setting up the eventual heartbreak when reality doesn’t match her expectations.
What is This Feeling?
A playful duet between Elphaba and Glinda, this song highlights their early rivalry. They express their intense dislike for each other after becoming roommates at Shiz. The students join in, siding with Glinda and isolating Elphaba even more.
The humorous back-and-forth between the two characters makes this song a fan favourite. Despite the light-hearted tone, it hints at the deeper challenges Elphaba faces as an outsider.
Something Bad
Dr. Dillamond, a goat professor, warns Elphaba about the growing discrimination against Animals in Oz. He tells her that Animals are losing their ability to speak, which signals a shift toward darker themes in the story.
This song resonates with Elphaba, who sees parallels between Dr. Dillamond’s struggles and her own. It marks the beginning of Elphaba’s desire to make a difference and sets up her motivation to seek the Wizard’s help.
Dancing Through Life
Fiyero enters Shiz with a carefree philosophy. He believes that life should be about enjoying the moment without overthinking. He throws a dance party, bringing together Glinda, Elphaba, and the rest of the students.
It’s during this scene that Glinda plays a prank on Elphaba by giving her a “hideous” hat. But Elphaba embraces it, turning the joke around and earning some respect. By the end of the song, Glinda and Elphaba start to form a friendship.
The song’s upbeat vibe and dance sequences offer a lively break from the more serious moments.
Popular
Glinda’s bubbly solo, “Popular,” is one of the most recognisable songs in the show. She decides to make Elphaba her new “project,” teaching her how to be “popular” and fit in.
The scene is filled with humour and charm, as Glinda earnestly tries to transform Elphaba into a more socially accepted version of herself. This number is a great showcase of Glinda’s personality—well-meaning but a bit shallow.
It also deepens the growing friendship between Glinda and Elphaba.
I’m Not That Girl
This ballad is Elphaba’s quiet moment of reflection. She realises she has feelings for Fiyero, but she’s convinced that he could never love someone like her.
Elphaba sings about how she has always been different, used to being on the outside. It’s a vulnerable moment that contrasts with the more upbeat songs, showing her longing for connection and acceptance.
One Short Day
Elphaba and Glinda visit the Emerald City, soaking in all its wonders. They sing about the excitement of being in such a magical place. The song is filled with joy as they explore the vibrant streets, marvel at the sights, and take in the city’s green glow.
This number captures their shared adventure before meeting the Wizard, providing a light-hearted moment that contrasts with the challenges ahead.
A Sentimental Man
When Elphaba and Glinda finally meet the Wizard, he sings this gentle tune, portraying himself as a kind-hearted leader. He shares his desire to help and make a difference in Oz, trying to gain Elphaba’s trust.
But beneath his warm words, there’s a sense of manipulation. The Wizard’s charm hides his true intentions, setting the stage for Elphaba’s disillusionment.
Defying Gravity
This is the show’s standout number. Elphaba discovers that the Wizard is not the benevolent figure she imagined. Instead, he’s part of the oppression she wanted to end. She decides to break free and fight for what’s right, even if it means being labelled as “wicked.”
Defying Gravity is a powerful anthem about embracing who you are and standing up for your beliefs. The iconic moment when Elphaba rises above the stage leaves the audience in awe, making this song one of the most memorable parts of the show.
No One Mourns the Wicked (Reprise)
The second act begins with the citizens of Oz discussing Elphaba’s rise as the Wicked Witch. Their fear and misunderstanding of Elphaba have only grown, setting the tone for the challenges she’ll face.
This reprise reminds the audience of the distance between Elphaba’s intentions and how she’s perceived by others.
Thank Goodness
Glinda celebrates her engagement to Fiyero while trying to maintain a cheerful image for the public. But underneath, she’s worried about Elphaba’s fate.
This song captures Glinda’s struggle to balance her public role as the Good Witch with her private concerns. It shows the complexities of Glinda’s character, revealing her deeper feelings beneath her bubbly exterior.
The Wicked Witch of the East
Taking place in Nessarose’s home, this scene shows Elphaba trying to help her sister, who is struggling to rule Munchkinland. In an attempt to give Nessarose the ability to walk, Elphaba enchants her shoes, turning them into the famous ruby slippers.
Things take a dark turn when Boq tries to leave Nessarose. She accidentally shrinks his heart, and Elphaba saves him by turning him into the Tin Man. This song is packed with drama and reveals key elements that connect the story to The Wizard of Oz.
Wonderful
Elphaba returns to confront the Wizard, but he tries to win her over. He sings about how he became “wonderful” by making people believe in him.
The Wizard tries to convince Elphaba that sometimes bending the truth is necessary. It’s a moment that explores the blurry lines between goodness and wickedness. Elphaba sees through his deception, solidifying her decision to stand against him.
I’m Not That Girl (Reprise)
This reprise is sung by Glinda after Fiyero chooses Elphaba over her. She echoes Elphaba’s earlier words, reflecting on her own heartbreak.
It’s a brief but emotional moment that highlights Glinda’s vulnerability and adds depth to her character.
As Long As You’re Mine
In this passionate duet, Elphaba and Fiyero confess their love for each other. They know their time together might be short, so they cherish every moment.
This song is filled with longing and intensity, offering a rare moment of hope and connection amid the danger they face.
No Good Deed
Elphaba sings this powerful solo after Fiyero is captured while trying to protect her. She decides to embrace the title of “wicked,” feeling that all her attempts to do good have only led to pain.
This song captures Elphaba’s anger and despair, as she questions whether doing good was ever worth it. It’s a turning point where she fully commits to her role as the Wicked Witch.
March of the Witch-Hunters
In this dramatic number, Boq rallies the citizens of Oz to find and capture Elphaba. The people of Oz blame her for all their troubles, showing how their fear has turned into hatred.
Boq, now the Tin Man, expresses his own resentment toward Elphaba, adding to the tension. This scene shows how quickly fear can turn into a mob mentality.
For Good
Elphaba and Glinda share a final goodbye in this emotional duet. They reflect on how much they’ve changed each other’s lives and express their gratitude for their friendship, even though they are now on different paths.
The song is filled with love and regret, making it one of the most touching moments in the show. It’s a beautiful reminder of how friendships can shape us, even when they end.
Finale
The show’s finale returns to the opening scene, with the citizens of Oz celebrating Elphaba’s death. But Glinda mourns in private, showing how much she has changed since their days at Shiz University.
Elphaba and Fiyero escape together, leaving Oz behind, but their departure is bittersweet. Glinda takes on the responsibility of leading Oz, trying to bring about the changes Elphaba fought for.
The finale is both hopeful and somber, leaving the audience with a sense of the lasting impact Elphaba has had on Glinda and Oz.
Overall
The songs in Wicked are the heart of the story, making us feel every twist and turn. From the powerful notes of “Defying Gravity” to the emotional depth of “For Good”, each song helps tell the story of Elphaba and Glinda.
Whether you’re listening to the cast album or watching the show live, these songs create a world where friendship, love, and standing up for what’s right shine through. Wicked remains a musical that stays with you long after the final bow.
Pre-Order Wicked the Musical the Motion Picture Soundtrack Here.
FAQs
What are the most popular songs in Wicked?
The most popular Wicked songs include “Defying Gravity”, “Popular”, and “For Good”, which are known for their memorable melodies and powerful emotions.
Who wrote the music for Wicked?
The music and lyrics for Wicked were written by Stephen Schwartz, who is known for creating music that deeply connects with audiences.
What is “Defying Gravity” about in Wicked?
“Defying Gravity” is about Elphaba choosing to stand up for her beliefs, even if it means being labelled as “wicked.” It’s a declaration of independence and self-acceptance.
Which character sings “Popular” in Wicked?
Glinda sings “Popular” as she tries to teach Elphaba how to fit in with society and become more like her.
Why is “For Good” a special song in Wicked?
“For Good” is special because it captures the heartfelt goodbye between Elphaba and Glinda, showing how much their friendship has changed them.
What is “No Good Deed” about?
“No Good Deed” is Elphaba’s intense solo where she decides to embrace her role as the Wicked Witch after feeling that all her efforts to do good have led to disaster.
How many songs are in Wicked?
There are over 20 songs in Wicked, including reprises and musical interludes, each adding to the story and emotional journey of the characters.
What role does “One Short Day” play in the musical?
“One Short Day” is a joyful song where Elphaba and Glinda explore the Emerald City, capturing the excitement before their encounter with the Wizard.
What makes the Wicked soundtrack so powerful?
The Wicked soundtrack, written by Stephen Schwartz, blends upbeat tunes, heartfelt ballads, and dramatic moments, creating a musical experience that deeply resonates with audiences.
