A Sentimental Man
Wicked Lyrics


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Wizard
I am a sentimental man who always longed to be a father
That's why I do the best I can to treat each citizen of Oz as son or daughter
So Elphaba, I'd like to raise you high
'Cause I think everyone deserves the chance to fly
And helping you with your ascent allows me to feel so parental
For I am a sentimental man




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wicked's A Sentimental Man are a reflection of the Wizard's longing for fatherhood that he compensates for by treating each citizen of Oz like his own son or daughter. He expresses his desire to treat Elphaba in the same way as he says "I'd like to raise you high." These words reflect both his love for Elphaba himself and his belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to achieve their dreams, and he wants to be the one to help them achieve that. The Wizard's words show his underlying sense of kindness and his belief in the importance of treating people with love and respect. He also uses the phrase "sentimental man" to describe himself, which speaks to his emotional nature and his tendency to view things from a heartfelt perspective.


Overall, the song A Sentimental Man is one of the key moments in Wicked that shows the Wizard's true character. Despite his dubious intentions and questionable methods, he genuinely cares about the people of Oz and seeks to be a positive influence in their lives. His words to Elphaba reflect his hope that she will succeed and his willingness to support her in her journey. The song also highlights the theme of fatherhood and the importance of having a positive role model in one's life, even if that role model isn't biologically related.


Line by Line Meaning

I am a sentimental man who always longed to be a father
I have a strong emotional attachment and desire to be a caring and protective father figure in people's lives.


That's why I do the best I can to treat each citizen of Oz as son or daughter
To fulfill my paternal instinct, I treat every individual in Oz with equal care, affection, and responsibility, as if they were my own children.


So Elphaba, I'd like to raise you high
Elphaba, I want to support and guide you towards your full potential and greatness.


'Cause I think everyone deserves the chance to fly
I believe that every person has the right and ability to reach higher heights in life, and I want to help them achieve it.


And helping you with your ascent allows me to feel so parental
Assisting you in your journey towards success gives me a fulfilling sense of fatherhood and nurturance.


For I am a sentimental man
Overall, I am a highly emotional and compassionate person who values the role of fatherhood in others' lives.




Contributed by Olivia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Sableagle

I'd just created an OC for a Doctor Who game when we saw this. My OC is an alien of a species that has no eyes. I couldn't help imagining the conversation.
"What's got them so excited?"
"My skin."
"What about it?"
"It's green."
"I'll take your word for it, but what's got them so excited?"
"My skin."
"What about it?"
"It's green."
"You mentioned that. What's got them so excited?"



Kenny Helton

WIZARD
I am a sentimental man
Who always longed to be a father
That's why I do the best I can
To treat each citizen of Oz as a son -
Or daughter
So Elphaba, I'd like to raise you high
'Cuz I think everyone deserves
The chance to fly
And helping you with your ascent al-
Lows me to feel so parental
For I am a sentimental man



All comments from YouTube:

Ingrid Sommer

In an alternate universe:
Oz: Oh! Wow, my daughter is green! Let's rename the capital Emerald City and have everyone wear glasses with green coloured lenses, so Elpheba can grow up like a normal kid!❤️

Red Rose

If only

Paul Canedo

Damn this is sad af lol

Sableagle

I'd just created an OC for a Doctor Who game when we saw this. My OC is an alien of a species that has no eyes. I couldn't help imagining the conversation.
"What's got them so excited?"
"My skin."
"What about it?"
"It's green."
"I'll take your word for it, but what's got them so excited?"
"My skin."
"What about it?"
"It's green."
"You mentioned that. What's got them so excited?"

southeastindependentsocialavatar8675309

@Sableagle This really made me laugh

Thuran

Honestly, the Wizard is probably the most fascinating character in the show and can change widely based on the actor portraying him.
Based on the actor, he can be a cowardly schyster, a ruthless manipulator or something else entirely.
My favorite version is the one I saw in London, where the actor played him as honestly well meaning, but sadly misguided and making one bad decision after the others in spite of honestly good intentions. I think he works really well as an honestly good man, that is in over his head and in trying to realize his dream tragically fails at every turn, harming himself and others around him.

I hate my name

This is the song in every show


That no one likes because it’s boring

Molly

Dora the Explorer I'm usually an older man,

J Troxler

Molly who wears suspenders and is lonely.

TheZeldaDragon

J Troxler guy in the back AHAHAHAHAHHA

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