The lyrics of 'What Is This Feeling?' from 'Wicked' crack me up every time—it’s such a brilliantly sarcastic take on instant hatred. The song plays with the idea of 'loathing' between Galinda and Elphaba, dripping with exaggerated disdain like 'unadulterated loathing' and 'your face is a crime.' It’s hilarious how they frame their animosity as this dramatic, almost romantic tension, but with zero warmth. The harmonies are sharp, the lyrics biting, and it’s a perfect setup for their later friendship. I love how musical theater can turn something as petty as schoolyard rivalry into a showstopper.
What’s even funnier is how the song subverts typical 'love at first sight' tropes. Instead of hearts fluttering, it’s 'my skin’s all blotchy and damp!' The over-the-top delivery makes it a fan favorite—you can’t help but sing along while rolling your eyes at their theatrics. It’s a reminder that 'Wicked' never takes itself too seriously, even while tackling deeper themes. Honestly, I’ve replayed this track just to catch every snarky line—it’s that addictive.