We all have those songs that just get us, right? The ones that resonate so deeply, they feel less like music and more like a soundtrack to our souls. For some, it might be a power ballad for karaoke nights, or a chill acoustic track for rainy days. But for me, as a self-confessed musical geek, there’s one song that stands head and shoulders above the rest: “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. If you didn’t know I was a musical enthusiast, consider this your official invitation to join the club! I’m the type of person who can lose myself completely in a cast recording, visualizing every scene, every emotion. Musicals are more than just entertainment; they’re immersive experiences, and Wicked in particular has captured my imagination like no other.
While I’ve never had the thrill of seeing Wicked live on stage, the soundtrack has been my constant companion. And “Defying Gravity”? That’s not just a song; it’s my Gravity Song. It’s the song I turn to when I need to channel strength, when I need a reminder of my own potential. It’s a powerful anthem, and the voices of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth? Pure magic. They’ve become two of my absolute favorite musical artists, solidifying “Defying Gravity”‘s place as my personal theme song.
An iconic poster for the musical Wicked, featuring the green-skinned Elphaba, highlighting the central theme of defying expectations and societal norms.
The Power of Lyrics: Finding Meaning in “Defying Gravity”
The true depth of “Defying Gravity” hit me during a challenging period in grad school. Surrounded by academic pressures and the daunting task of completing my Master’s thesis in mechanical engineering (yes, you read that right, engineering and musicals!), I needed something to keep me going. That’s when I printed out the lyrics to “Defying Gravity” and taped them to my desk. Looking back, it might seem a little over-the-top, but those words were a lifeline. It was the first time I truly grasped the symbolic weight of “defying gravity.”
Even with my still-developing English skills at the time, the message was undeniable. In fact, in a move that might solidify my “geek” status, I included those very lyrics on the front page of my Master’s thesis. It might seem out of place in a technical document, but for me, it was a powerful statement of intent.
The lyrics themselves are incredibly potent:
Something has changed within me
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.
I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change but till 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!
As someone told me lately: “Ev’ryone deserves the chance to fly!”
And if I’m flying solo at least I’m flying free.
These aren’t just words on a page; they are a declaration of independence, a refusal to be bound by limitations, whether self-imposed or dictated by others. They speak to the universal desire to break free and pursue one’s own path, regardless of obstacles.
Elphaba’s Defiance: Relating to the Green-Skinned Witch
Beyond the powerful lyrics, the character of Elphaba, the “wicked” witch of the West, is deeply relatable, especially for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. In a world that often prioritizes conformity, Elphaba stands out – literally, with her green skin. She’s different, and society struggles to accept her. This feeling of not belonging, of being perceived as “other,” is something many of us experience at some point in our lives. Whether it’s at school, work, or even within social circles, the pressure to fit in can be immense.
The author in New York City, connecting personally with the themes of Wicked and Elphaba’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance in a world that struggles with differences.
Growing up in a society that often valued tradition and conformity, I often felt like the odd one out, the one with “green skin.” My interests and aspirations often diverged from the expected path. Navigating school and the conventional expectations of a career, I found myself constantly thinking of Elphaba and “Defying Gravity.” Her struggle to be accepted, her determination to forge her own destiny, resonated deeply with my own experiences. I, too, felt different.
But something shifted within me. I realized that I had the power to shape my own happiness, to break free from those limiting expectations. I was tired of living by rules that weren’t my own, of accepting limitations simply because someone else said they existed. There was no turning back. It was time to leap, to embrace the unknown, and to defy the gravity of societal pressure. And so I did.
Flying Solo, Flying Free: Embracing Individuality
Choosing a path less traveled can be isolating, and living a life different from the norms of my home country has certainly had its lonely moments. There have been times when I’ve felt like a failure in the eyes of some, an embarrassment even. Despite pursuing education, holding strong values, and maintaining a positive outlook, the divergence from traditional expectations can be met with negativity.
Yet, I am living life on my own terms, a life I planned. This doesn’t mean I’m immune to the negative energy or the feelings of loneliness that can creep in. That’s why the line, “If I’m flying solo at least I’m flying free,” hits home so powerfully. It’s a reminder that even in solitude, there is freedom. That even when navigating life’s journey alone, I am unbound, and no one can pull me down from pursuing my own version of “flying.”
Ultimately, I believe that deep down, no one truly wants me to live a life that doesn’t bring me joy. Those who may pity my choices are perhaps projecting their own fears and insecurities. It’s easier to blame external influences than to accept that people can genuinely desire different paths. They may believe I’m swayed by “free-spirited people” out in the world, but the reality is simpler: I am choosing to be true to myself, to defy the gravity of expectation.
And so, “Defying Gravity” remains my anthem, my gravity song. I continue to listen to it, drawing strength and energy to navigate life’s challenges, to keep flying, solo and free.
What’s your theme song? What song helps you defy gravity in your own life?
