Glin

With this song being my favourite in the musical, if I had to pick, I have veryyy strong opinions on it! Without mentioning the obvious beauty of the song with all the underlying tones that surpass any hints of romance or love ever, and how sAD it is, I’ll get straight onto my point.

First time I started analysing this song, first thing I noticed was the obvious change in usual vocal ranges within the pair. Glinda was usually the one taking the higher notes, while Elphaba stuck within a lower range (of course with the exception of her outstanding belting- however Glinda’s voice was usually more operatic and- you get what I mean)

However within this song, we see the change take place, with Elphie taking the higher notes in the duet for once and Glinda sticking low. At first I took this as a sign of grievance from Glinda, as usually sorrowfulness is presented with deep undertones. And while I think this idea is still present, I had an epiphany! They changed to fit and harmonise with each other’s vocals. And what is the subject of this song?

‘Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but

Because I knew you

I have been changed for good’

It’s gosh darn symbolism of the change they’re talking about in the song! They’re giving us a vocal representation of how they changed each other, obviously the thing they’re referring to isn’t their voices, but I think it’s so clever!