Something Bad
Idina Menzel; Kristin Chenoweth Lyrics
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Dreadful things
I've heard of an Ox, a professor from Quox
No longer permitted to teach
Who has lost all powers of speech
And an owl in Munchkin Rock
A vicar with a thriving flock
Now he only can screech
Only rumors, but still enough to give pause
To anyone with paws
Something bad is happening in Oz
Something bad? Happening in Oz?
Under the surface
Behind the scenes
Something bad
Sorry, "bad"
Doctor Dillamond
If something bad is happening to the animals
Someone's got to tell the Wizard
That's why we have a Wizard
So nothing bad
I hope you're right
Nothing all that bad
Nothing truly bad
Sorry
Bad
It couldn't happen here
In Oz
This song is a part of Stephen Schwartz's famous Broadway musical, 'Wicked', and is performed by two main characters, Madame Morrible and Doctor Dillamond. The song is set in the wizarding world of Oz and presents a critical view of the political context of Oz's society. Madame Morrible starts the song by talking about the rumors she has heard lately, where animals are being silenced and losing their right to education and speech. She uses the term "paws" to indicate that it's not about animals being silenced but an indicator of oppression in Oz.
Doctor Dillamond, who is a goat and a professor, is the primary sufferer of the oppression that Madame Morrible is referring to in the song. He is prohibited from teaching, and his speech abilities have been taken away. This instance highlights the idea of discrimination against animals, the underprivileged groups in the society. Madame Morrible raises her concern that something terrible is happening in Oz and says that it's about time they tell the wizard, who was supposed to maintain a balance of political power and maintain safety in Oz.
The song reflects on the social and political turbulence in the society, where power and oppression are prevalent. It critiques the power dynamics among different groups in the society, highlighting the importance of truth-telling and transparency. In summary, the song is an appeal to those who know what is happening in Oz to speak up and tell the truth, even if it might be challenging to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Miss Elphaba, the things one hears these days
Hello Elphaba, I’ve heard about some unpleasant matters lately.
Dreadful things
Distressing issues.
I've heard of an Ox, a professor from Quox
I’ve been informed about an Ox, who is a teacher from Quox.
No longer permitted to teach
Unable to teach anymore.
Who has lost all powers of speech
Who has lost the ability to speak.
And an owl in Munchkin Rock
Also, an owl in Munchkin Rock.
A vicar with a thriving flock
Additionally, a preacher with a growing audience.
Forbidden to preach
Banned from preaching.
Now he only can screech
Now he can only emit piercing cries.
Only rumors, but still enough to give pause
It might only be hearsay, but it’s still sufficient to cause one to stop and consider.
To anyone with paws
To anyone who is sensitive.
Something bad is happening in Oz
Something unpleasant is happening in Oz.
Something bad? Happening in Oz?
Are you saying something terrible is happening in Oz?
Under the surface
Below the top layer.
Behind the scenes
Away from the public eye.
Something bad
Something unpleasant.
Sorry, "bad"
Apologies for using that term.
Doctor Dillamond
Dr. Dillamond.
If something bad is happening to the animals
If something unpleasant is happening to the creatures.
Someone's got to tell the Wizard
Someone needs to inform the Wizard.
That's why we have a Wizard
That's the reason we have a Wizard.
So nothing bad
To prevent anything unpleasant.
I hope you're right
I desire that your thoughts are correct.
Nothing all that bad
Nothing extremely unpleasant.
Nothing truly bad
Nothing really unpleasant.
Sorry
Sorry.
Bad
Unpleasant.
It couldn't happen here
It’s impossible for anything unpleasant to happen here.
In Oz
In Oz.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN LAWRENCE SCHWARTZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BoosterHunter100
Kristin Chenoweth and Indina Menzel are the best Elphaba and Glinda to ever graced broadway. These two need to be in the Wicked Movie!
@chloem665
Dunkirk I think they might be
@Potterholic1
That would be totally "wicked" but unless one or the other is cast as Madam Morrible, it will not be.
@JaySmith_
Stephanie J Block climax in defying gravity outsold idina's whole run as Elphie. I STAN IDINA. but stephanie j block is the best elphie
'
@drangedhermit1
@@JaySmith_ So, because of one actress's performance in one part of one song: said actress is better? I'm not saying one actress is better than another but judging one's performance because of a minute part of the musical is ridiculous.
@marinali1094
C.J. Mancini well I mean idina did have some tuff vocal damage after performing as Elphie and there were other actresses who played elphie that didn’t suffer from vocal damage, suggesting that their practices were healthier, and “better.” Idina is an amazing actress but there were others who seemed to perform the role just as, if not even more better than idina.
@ellewinnifred2449
NERD ALERT: throughout the show, it's been Galinda/Glinda singing the higher parts and Elphaba singing the lower harmonies and melodies. In a song where they have "changed for good" their singing parts are reversed. I always thought that was neat.
@Emmarodriguez91101
I’ve noticed this!!
@lynnmurrayactress
I noticed too.
@RedShingami55
Elle Winnifred God, SOMEONE FINALLY SAID IT.