Jester’s Circus

list of tags:

gelphie + good luck babe

this song is incredible in showing the relationship progression for glinda and elphaba bc in every other song glinda takes the higher/more “showy” part (basically showing that her character is always putting on a performance) while elphaba takes the lower parts that have more of a belt bc she’s a more powerful character who’s vocals support others until it’s her time to shine. however in this song, glinda harmonizes with elphaba by taking the lower parts and elphaba takes the higher parts, effectively balancing out their relationship as they come to terms with the fact that they are literally changed for the better by the other. within their relationship glinda is able to let go of the need to constantly be performing and she can be herself around elphaba and elphaba can finally be heard within a harmony without having to belt. it’s also shows their relationship issues because they are attempting to change for each other by harmonizing in a way that doesn’t play into their strengths. the fundamental reason their relationship doesn’t work is because of the way that they handle societal and moral issues even if they try to make it work. they might have changed each other for the better, but their view of the world doesn’t allow them to change completely. if this song wasn’t a deeply personal goodbye to each other, their harmonies would probably be the same as the rest of the show, especially because of glinda’s need to be seen a specific way by the general public.