Dear Old Shiz
Wicked Lyrics


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Person in Crowd
Glinda! Is it true you were her friend?!

Glinda
Well, it depends on what you mean by "friend." I did know her. That is, our paths did cross. At school...

Students
O hallowed halls and vine-draped walls
The proudliest sight there is
When grey and sere our hair hath turned
We shall still revere the lessons learned
In our days at dear old Shiz
Our days at dear old...

Galinda
Oh-oh-oh-oh-old...





Students & Galinda
Dear old Shiz-zzzz...

Overall Meaning

The song "Dear Old Shiz" from Wicked is a nostalgic and dreamy ode to the memories made in a beloved school, Shiz University. Glinda, the character who sings the song, is questioned by a person in the crowd about her relationship with her former classmate, Elphaba, who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda explains that they had crossed paths during their time at Shiz, but she is hesitant to call herself Elphaba's friend. The sentiment of the song turns towards the memories and experiences the students shared at Shiz, which they will always cherish even as they grow older.


The lyrics give us a glimpse of the atmosphere and culture of Shiz University. The reverent tone towards the "hallowed halls and vine-draped walls" shows that it was a place of great importance and pride to the students. The line "When grey and sere our hair hath turned\We shall still revere the lessons learned" emphasizes that those lessons and experiences will never be forgotten, even as time passes by.


Overall, "Dear Old Shiz" is a bittersweet reminder of the memories made and friendships forged during one's academic years. It highlights the importance of cherishing those memories, even if they were made in a school that ultimately led to the creation of the Wicked Witch of the West.


Line by Line Meaning

Glinda! Is it true you were her friend?!
Someone from the crowd asks Glinda if she was a friend of someone, implying that they know each other.


Well, it depends on what you mean by "friend." I did know her. That is, our paths did cross. At school...
Glinda clarifies that while she did know the person, they were not close friends, and only knew each other while studying at school.


O hallowed halls and vine-draped walls
The singer is admiring the prestigious and beautiful appearance of the school.


The proudliest sight there is
The school is considered one of the most impressive sights to see.


When grey and sere our hair hath turned
Even in old age, the artist and others will still hold the lessons they learned at the school dear.


We shall still revere the lessons learned
The singer will always hold the teachings and experiences from their days at school in high respect.


In our days at dear old Shiz
The singer is reminiscing about their past experiences at the school, referring to it affectionately as "dear old Shiz."


Oh-oh-oh-oh-old...
Galinda elongates the word "old" in a playful manner.


Dear old Shiz-zzzz...
The students and Galinda repeat the name of the school, emphasizing their fondness for it.




Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Kat

"Glinda, is it true you were her friend?" "Well, it depends on what you mean by friend. I did know her, that is our paths did cross. at school" stop lying! she was your best friend!

NobodyOfKnowhere

Ikr i was like "bish puh-lease!"

isebalee16

She had many friends, but only one mattered. We all know it's Elphaba. <3

Bri Arcanum

And then Elphaba comes in five minutes later with Starbucks.

Wisdom

"hey oz want some unicorn frappes"

"all hail elphaba the good witch"

"but-"

"shutup glinda you didn't get us starbucks"

Danielle Fregoe

That 1 dislike is the person who still thought the song had a swear despite the emphasis on the z-ending.

Beviwa Phillips

I wish my choir sounded like that wow

Justin H. Music

This song is the shiz

Suni Glow

This sounds like the anthem for Ravenclaw and Slytherin

Kate Brown

I love WICKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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