Cynthia Erivo is a talented singer known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She gained fame for her stunning vocals in Harriet and her album Ch. 1 Vs. 1.

Her soulful singing and heartfelt songs have made her a standout artist in R&B and soul music.

About the Song

Defying Gravity is a powerful song performed by Cynthia Erivo. It is originally from the musical Wicked. Her version showcases her strong and emotional voice, bringing new life to the inspiring lyrics.

The song is about breaking free from limits and believing in yourself, making it a deeply moving performance.

Defying Gravity Lyrics by Cynthia Erivo

GLINDA, Spoken

Elphaba
Why couldn’t you have stayed calm for once
Instead of flying off the handle?
I hope you’re happy

GLINDA

I hope you’re happy now
I hope you’re happy how you’ve hurt your cause forever
I hope you think you’re clever

ELPHABA, Spoken

I hope you’re happy

ELPHABA

I hope you’re happy too
I hope you’re proud how you would
Grovel in submission to feed your own ambition

GLINDA & ELPHABA

So though I can’t imagine how
I hope you’re happy right now

GLINDA, Spoken

Elphie, listen to me
Just say you’re sorry

GLINDA

You can still be with the Wizard
What you’ve worked and waited for
You can have all you ever wantеd

ELPHABA, spoken

I know

ELPHABA

But I don’t want it
No, I can’t want it anymore
Something has changed within mе
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by
The rules of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap

It’s time to try defying gravity
I think I’ll try defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down

GLINDA

Can’t I make you understand
You’re having delusions of grandeur?

ELPHABA

I’m through accepting limits
‘Cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change
But ’til I try, I’ll never know
Too long, I’ve been afraid of
Losing love, I guess I’ve lost
Well, if that’s love
It comes at much too high a cost

I’d sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I’m defying gravity
And you can’t pull me down

ELPHABA, Spoken

Come with me
Think of what we could do together

ELPHABA

Unlimited
Together, we’re unlimited
Together, we’ll be the greatest team there’s ever been, Glinda
Dreams the way we planned ’em

GLINDA

If we work in tandem

GLINDA & ELPHABA

There’s no fight we cannot win

Just you and I defying gravity
With you and I defying gravity

ELPHABA

They’ll never bring us down

ELPHABA, Spoken

Are you coming?

GLINDA

I hope you’re happy
Now that you’re choosing this

ELPHABA, Spoken

You, too

ELPHABA

I hope it brings you bliss

GLINDA & ELPHABA

I really hope you get it
And you don’t live to regret it
I hope you’re happy in the end
I hope you’re happy, my friend

ELPHABA, spoken

No, leave her alone!
She hasn’t done anything wrong
I’m the one you want
I’m the one you want!
It’s me!

ELPHABA

It’s me

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky
As someone told me lately
“Everyone deserves the chance to fly”
And if I’m flying solo
At least, I’m flying free
To those who’d ground me
Take a message back from me

Tell them how I’m defying gravity
I’m flying high, defying gravity
And soon, I’ll match them in renown

Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited

ELPHABA, Spoken

And, nobody in all of Oz

ELPHABA

No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down

GLINDA

I hope you’re happy

CITIZENS OF OZ

Look at her! She’s wicked!
Kill her!

CITIZENS OF OZ & ELPHABA

No one mourns the wicked (Bring me down)
So we’ve got to bring her

ELPHABA

Oh

CITIZENS OF OZ

Down
Down
Woah

Similar Songs Like Defying Gravity 

For those inspired by Defying Gravity, here are even more songs with themes of empowerment, resilience, and personal growth.

• “Stand Up“: A powerful anthem of empowerment showcasing Cynthia Erivo’s incredible voice. The song motivates and inspires listeners to fight for change.
• “I’m Here“: It’s a soulful and emotional ballad from The Color Purple; Cynthia’s voice beautifully conveys deep emotion while celebrating strength and self-worth.
• “God Only Knows“: This is a heartfelt song with deep emotion, showcasing Cynthia Erivo’s vocal range and conveying love and openness with passion.

Similar Artists Like Cynthia Erivo

Here are even more artists whose music showcases the soulful and inspiring qualities of Cynthia Erivo’s performances.

• Alicia Keys
  Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
  Top Album: Songs in A Minor (2001)

• Jennifer Hudson
  Genre: R&B, Soul, Pop
  Top Album: Jennifer Hudson (2008)

• Andra Day
  Genre: Soul, R&B, Jazz
  Top Album: Cheers to the Fall (2015)

• Labrinth
  Genre: R&B, Soul, Electronic
  Top Album: Imagination & the Misfit Kid (2019)

Behind The Scenes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Meaning of The Defying Gravity Song?

The song conveys Elphaba’s longing to overcome limitations and pursue a life without constraints. She uses magic to make her broomstick fly, evading the Wizard’s guards and the citizens of Oz who try to stop her.

Why is Defying Gravity Such a Powerful Song?

Defying Gravity connects deeply because it reflects Elphaba’s struggle to conform to societal norms, which made her feel ashamed of her uniqueness. The song represents breaking free from these societal constraints and celebrating authentic self-expression.

Who Originally Sang Defying Gravity?

Defying Gravity, the iconic song from the musical Wicked, was composed by Stephen Schwartz and first recorded by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on November 10, 2003. It was later released on December 16, 2003, and has been covered by BikoStar.