Something Bad
Wicked--Original Broadway Cast featuring William Youmans Lyrics


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Oh, Miss Elphaba, the things one hears these days
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
Forbidden to preach
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

Overall Meaning

The song "Something Bad" from the Broadway musical Wicked, is a conversation between Madame Morrible and Doctor Dillamond after receiving rumors about certain events happening in Oz. The lyrics describe the rumor of a professor from Quox who lost his ability to speak and a vicar in Munchkin Rock who can only screech after being forbidden to preach. However, the most concerning part of the rumors is that something bad is happening in Oz, which raises concern for Madame Morrible and Doctor Dillamond.


The lyrics suggest that Doctor Dillamond believes that they need to bring this matter to the attention of the wizard as it involves the animals, and it is the wizard's responsibility to prevent anything bad from happening in Oz. Madame Morrible, on the other hand, suggests that it is unlikely for anything bad to happen in Oz. However, after hearing the rumors, she is still concerned enough to investigate further.


The song also cleverly plays on the word "bad." Initially, the lyrics present it in a casual way to emphasize the rumors' ridiculousness. However, as the song progresses, the word "bad" becomes more sinister and concerning, showcasing the gravity of the situation.


Overall, "Something Bad" is a poignant moment in Wicked, highlighting concerns about the vulnerability of individuals and their need for protection.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, Miss Elphaba, the things one hears these days
Madam Elphaba, one hears dreadful rumors these days


Dreadful things
The rumors are dreadful in nature


I've heard of an Ox
I have heard rumors about an ox


A professor from Quox
The rumors involve a professor from Quox


No longer permitted to teach
The professor is no longer allowed to teach


Who has lost all powers of speech
The professor has lost his ability to speak


And an owl in Munchkin Rock
There is also a rumor about an owl in Munchkin Rock


A vicar with a thriving flock
Another rumor is about a vicar with a prospering congregation


Forbidden to preach
The vicar is not allowed to preach anymore


Now he only can screech!
Now he can only make sudden loud noises


Only rumors, but still
These are only unverified rumors, but still


Enough to give pause
Enough to make someone stop and think


To anyone with paws
To anyone in Oz


Something bad is happening in Oz
There is something wicked happening in Oz that needs attention


Under the surface
Beneath the facade


Behind the scenes
In secret


Sorry: "Bad"
Apology for repeating the word bad


Doctor Dillamond, if something bad is happening
If something terrible is happening to the animals


to the animals, someone's got to tell the Wizard.
The Wizard must be informed about it since he is responsible for them


That's why we have a wizard.
Wizard is there to handle these kinds of situations


I hope you're right
I hope your optimism is accurate


Nothing all that bad
There is nothing terrible going on


Nothing truly bad
There is nothing entirely terrible happening


Sorry: "Bad"
Apology for repeating the word bad


It couldn't happen here
It is impossible for anything wicked to occur in Oz


In Oz
In the magical land of Oz




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: STEPHEN LAWRENCE SCHWARTZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

JSR-RADIO

I'm so proud of this role.

deborah jusko

This song is the best song from Wicked

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