Dear Old Shiz
Wicked [original broadway cast] Lyrics
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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
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...
The lyrics for "Dear Old Shiz" from Wicked the Broadway musical describe a group of former students who are reminiscing about their time at the school. Glinda, who has become a popular celebrity in Oz, is greeted by a person in the crowd who asks if it is true that Glinda was friends with Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda replies that she did know Elphaba but quickly moves the conversation back to their shared memories of their time at the Shiz University.
The students then launch into a nostalgic ode to the school, with a particular focus on the physical setting - the hallowed halls and vine-draped walls that make up the campus. Despite the passing of time and the fact that their hair has turned gray and sere, they still hold dear the lessons they learned during their formative years at Shiz.
Galinda interjects briefly, singing the word "old" in a playful way that injects levity into the otherwise sentimental tune. Overall, "Dear Old Shiz" is a reflective and nostalgic track that highlights the emotions that can come with revisiting a beloved place from one's past.
Line by Line Meaning
Glinda! Is it true you were her friend?!
Did you really know her well enough to be considered a friend?
Well, it depends on what you mean by "friend." I did know her. That is, our paths did cross. At school...
I did cross paths with her during our time at school, but I wouldn't classify it as a close friendship.
O hallowed halls and vine-draped walls
This school has an illustrious and revered reputation.
The proudliest sight there is
It's the most magnificent place you can behold.
When grey and sere our hair hath turned
Even when we are old and gray, we will still cherish the memories and lessons learned here.
We shall still revere the lessons learned
We will always honor and respect the knowledge we gained from attending Shiz.
In our days at dear old Shiz
We reminisce fondly on the time we spent at Shiz.
Dear old Shiz-zzzz...
We hold a special place in our hearts for Shiz and the memories we shared there.
Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.