What Is This Feeling?
Kristin Chenoweth Lyrics


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Dearest darlingest momsie and popsical

My dear father

There's been some confusion
Over rooming here at Shiz

But of course, I'll care for Nessa

But of course, I'll rise above it

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

Unusually and exceedingly peculiar
And altogether quite impossible to describe

Blonde

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

My face is flushing

What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame
Does it have a name?
Yes!
Loathing
Unadulterated loathing

For your face

Your voice

Your clothing

Let's just say, I loathe it all!
Every 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!

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!

Well, these things are sent to try us!

Poor Glinda, forced to reside
With someone so disgusticified
We just want to tell you
We're all on your side!
We share your

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

There's a strange exhilaration
In such total detestation
It's so pure, so strong!

So strong!

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
My whole life long!

Unadulterated loathing





Boo!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of What Is This Feeling from Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel describe a conversation between roommates Elphaba and Galinda (who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch) at the beginning of their college years at Shiz University. Elphaba is initially confused about the arrangement of rooming with Galinda, but agrees to take care of her disabled sister Nessa. However, she expresses her frustration towards Galinda's personality, which she finds to be peculiar and irritating.


As the conversation progresses, the two girls reveal that they have mutual feelings of loathing towards each other, despite Galinda's initial attempt to be friendly. The song's structure and melody also reflect the tension between the characters. The verses express Elphaba's confusion and frustration, while the chorus is a duet where both girls express their overwhelming dislike for each other.


The lyrics explore the feelings of dislike and hatred that can arise between two people who are thrust together in a difficult situation. It also highlights the theme of appearances vs. reality, as Galinda initially appears to be kind and friendly, but Elphaba's observations reveal a darker side to her personality.


Line by Line Meaning

Dearest darlingest momsie and popsical
My dear father


There's been some confusion over rooming here at Shiz
Unclear living arrangements at Shiz University


But of course, I'll care for Nessa
I will take care of my roommate, Nessa


But of course, I'll rise above it
I will handle it maturely


For I know that's how you'd want me to respond
I understand how you would want me to behave


Yes, there's been some confusion
The situation is still confusing


For you see, my room-mate is unusually and exceedingly peculiar
My roommate is very strange and difficult to describe


And altogether quite impossible to describe
Impossible to express in words


Blonde
She is blonde


What is this feeling so sudden and new?
I am experiencing a new and unfamiliar emotion


I felt the moment I laid eyes on you
I felt this emotion upon seeing you


My pulse is rushing, my head is reeling, my face is flushing
I am experiencing physical symptoms of this emotion


What is this feeling?
What is this indescribable emotion?


Fervid as a flame, does it have a name? Yes! Loathing
This emotion is intense and has a name: loathing


Unadulterated loathing for your face, your voice, your clothing
I strongly dislike everything about you


Let's just say, I loathe it all!
I hate absolutely everything about you


Every little trait, however small, makes my very flesh begin to crawl
Even your smallest behaviors disgust me


With simple utter loathing
My emotion towards you is purely loathing


There's a strange exhilaration in such total detestation
Feeling such intense hate towards you is oddly exhilarating


It's so pure! So strong!
This emotion is incredibly real and intense


Though I do admit it came on fast
This emotion came upon me quickly


Still I do believe that it can last
I think this feeling will persist


And I will be loathing
I will keep hating you


Loathing you my whole life long!
I will hate you for the rest of my life


Dear Glinda, you are just too good!
Glinda, you are too kind


How do you stand it? I don't think I could!
I don't know how you can handle this situation


She's a terror! She's a tartar!
She is difficult to deal with


We don't mean to show a bias
We don't want to be unfair


But Glinda you're a martyr!
You are suffering for the both of us


Well, these things are sent to try us!
Perhaps this is a test of our character


Poor Glinda, forced to reside with someone so disgusticified
I feel sorry for Glinda, having to live with someone like you


We just want to tell you we're all on your side!
We support you, Glinda


Truly, deeply loathing you, loathing you my whole life long
I want to emphasize how much I hate you, and that this will never change


Boo!
An expression of disapproval




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Mute Song Limited, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KAREN ANN POOLE, PAUL JOHN HARRIS, IAN KENNETH MASTERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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