I’ve heard it said,
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn.And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you.Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun,
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood.Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better,
~ excerpt from “For Good,” song from the musical, Wicked
But because I knew you,
I have been changed for good.
Years ago a friend brought me to the musical, Wicked, a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, that chronicles the backstory of Elphaba who will later be known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba is misunderstood, green-skinned, and different. The story speaks to everyone. We all have parts of ourselves that are different and unique, but perhaps misunderstood. We all wish for connection with someone to support those vulnerable (and often creative) parts of ourselves. The successful release of the movie version of Wicked has brought the musical and the songs back into popularity.
In this duet, two characters sing about their friendship. We know that they must go their separate ways and might not see each other again. We know that one of them will grow up to be known as “the good witch” and the other will be misunderstood and die as “the wicked witch” in the Wizard of Oz… but here in this prequel, two childhood friends take the time to acknowledge their gratitude for each other and that they have both been changed in the double-meaning of the phrase, “for good.”
For the friend that first introduced me to this musical and the other dear friends that have come and gone in my life, these lyrics give words to the depth of transformation that people can bring to our lives when they touch our hearts… “who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
Take a few breaths and pause in meditation, remember the important people in your life, and let the lyrics soak in as an inspiration for deep gratitude.
Watch the video, “For Good,” performed by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, from the musical, Wicked
Resources
- Check out the original book series by Gregory Maguire that inspired Wicked, the musical and the movie
- Check out the movie release with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
- Go to see Wicked, the Musical, in a live theater event