Why Defying Gravity Is Perfect & How It Works in WICKED

[@lyamainu]

As someone who is tone deaf from a family of music lovers, your channel has done miracles in helping me understand what I’ve been missing all these years.

[@HowardHoMusic]

This means so much to me. Being tone deaf doesn't mean you can't enjoy music or the stories being told through music. Glad I could help!

[@pasdepseudooriginal]

This!! I'm tone deaf from a family of musicians and my boyfriend sings at well, and I feel so frustrated, like they're talking about a color that I cannot see. Your videos are the only ones that make me go literally like "... ooooh NOW I get it!" So thank you

[@LaLayla99]

​@@HowardHoMusic I'm 75% hearing impaired without my hearing aids and grew up not being able to comprehend music theory. I use your channel to learn what I missed when I was younger. Thank you!! 💞

[@jer9grant]

15:13 i didn't realize how much growl was on that vocal until just now. She did it so smooth on Jimmy Fallon's show

[@HowardHoMusic]

I noticed that too!

[@LoveNikiW]

Yes! In the movie it’s full of that embrace of her raw emotion and power! I love the way this breakdown reveals all of these special elements!

[@teahotey9635]

I think it’s also because they did a lot of singing live to get the real emotion. It’s another reason to love Cynthia, Ariana, and Jonathan as the director who encouraged their creative views.

[@thatpantransguy]

In the movie, with the little play in Wizomania, they explain in the prophecy that the one who can read the Grimmery will proclaim their arrival with an "AHHHHHH". That made so much sense in connection with the end of "Defying Gravity"! She basically let all of Oz know who she is and that she isn't going to let anyone stop her from saving the those who the Wizard oppresses. Seriously amazing show! 🤩😭

[@drea4439]

Yes! It's not just an in joke about how Idina Menzel sang that riff originally. The movie sets up that very distinctive melody as a motif of prophecy, specifically a prophecy of access to the power of the wise. Elphaba gains insight into the world and herself, claims her power, and then sings these notes as her finale. It's one of many places where the movie meaningfully deepens the material.

[@Jetrowdy]

“She realizes she is the person who her younger self needed to step into her own power” made me tear up 🥹 Elphaba’s journey and transformation is so powerful and I love how Stephen Schwartz’s music reflect that, and how you break it down is so satisfying to watch! Another cool thing I noticed is after Elphaba stops wearing the glasses, the infinity symbol is now visible in her hair, showing her change and turning point to finally reach her inner strength. Amazing video as always! Hope for more Wicked breakdowns! 💚💚💚

[@davidwilliamsantos9004]

One change I like that they've done in the movie which is different from the Broadway show was how Cynthia sings "It's me!". She sings it with the first two notes of the Unlimited motif which is also the first two notes of Somewhere over the rainbow. She's literally stepping her first foot forward in that place over the rainbow by flying.

[@nicanproud]

i love this. I have already seen a lot of people confused as to why Elphaba lost her glasses. People were kinda assuming it was the same reason as the cliche you talked about. I knew that wasn't right but i couldn't quite put my finger on what it was about. So thank u. Love these videos

[@nilesreacts3594]

Jon shared on his IG story!!!

[@HowardHoMusic]

I know! He's truly the best.

[@mayabairey]

Gutted to miss this premiere! I love how you dig deep into the symbolism of glass and bubbles, and connect Elphaba’s personal growth to the perfect fifth-turning a classic showstopper into something even more meaningful.

[@HowardHoMusic]

We missed you earlier! Thanks again for always showing up!

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

You have an academic background now! I love it! Wicked made me cry as soon as the first number started! So happy to see you again!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Haha...I've always had it! Good to see you again too!

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

LOL that paper was dated 2003!!

[@purplexninjamom]

I keep wondering why your channel has not yet hit that 1 million subs mark. For someone like me, who can sing quite well but doesn´t know about any musical theory stuff, this is a godsent.

[@HowardHoMusic]

Thank you for those kind words! I'm hoping to reach 1 million subs someday!

[@thewiz2003]

Thank you once again for a stellar in-depth take on Defying Gravity. It really defied my expectations and I couldn’t be happier that you were able to give this song the love and respect it deserves. Your talent is truly unlimited.

[@malory6312]

Another thing said by the composer of WICKED, the song Elphaba sings "Unlimited" is the same exact notes and melody as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." And the opening scene of the movie SPOILER!!! has the children banging pots and pans as a reference to "Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead".

[@jer9grant]

The "Unlimited" part is covered in the short referenced at 0:42

[@renees4577]

The particular design of the glasses is also the letters OZ on it's side.

[@theloverlyladylo9158]

As an Omaha native: there ain’t nothing magical about Omaha. Except the zoo.

[@HowardHoMusic]

Haha

[@lwrncschmchr]

I thought it was a Peyton Manning reference lol

[@famouskphantom]

I didn’t even realize how glass was such a big motif in this movie. But now I’m like duh. You are a genius! And the people who created wicked are geniuses

[@mijavera]

Again, another engaging break down!!!! I find your videos are so digestible and intriguing!!!! Thank you!!!

[@Dogatis]

Was waiting for this since the film premiered 😂

[@gilangsetyawibawa185]

Howard, you're a genius! Hope you can make more Wicked content in the future. I love the way you use the infinity symbols and glasses to associate Elphaba. I also like the bubble motifs throughout Glinda as well, not to mention her bubbly personality! Hope you can cover Popular, Dancing Through Life, What Is This Feeling, No One Mourns The Wicked, and of course, I'm Not That Girl... Looking forward to more Wicked musicology!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Haha...Wicked Musicology!

[@iantophernicus6042]

​@HowardHoMusic The linguification of Oz is always a joy. Congratulotions on your video, it was a definish joy!

[@kelvinkao7436]

Was pleasantly surprised by how much you talked about the visuals, and the many things I didn't catch!

[@miche3020]

This is the best explanation of music, I've ever heard. Thank you.

[@LoveNikiW]

I’m about to cry! I absolutely LOVE the way you break things down! It literally reinforces the powerful messages in the songs and the movies/shows as a whole! THANK YOU for sharing! I’ve never seen the stage play (but I will once I see part 2 of the movie… trying my best to not spoil it and wait for the full movie experience), so this movie has affected me deeply, as I resonate with it in so many ways. This song and Elphaba’s journey are a self love story. I also didn’t notice the specific use of her glasses for telling her story, and you explained it so well! Now I have to go see it again to pay attention to these nuanced parts!💚💚💚

[@stilelits]

2:30 i might be the only one who sees this, but i think the diamond shape of the broken glass in the dorm room looks a lot like the hat with the reflection in the puddle that we saw at the beginning of the movie...i'm also pretty sure i saw the nome king on the wall at the ozdust ballroom, too, and i MIGHT just be reading way too much into things...

[@iantophernicus6042]

They did confirm there were a lot of Easter eggs, hidden in theisoc and background. It might’ve been the Nome King.

[@MrMaxtothemax]

Yo, I had the same giddy chill as a child watching Clark run next to that train as I did watching Elphaba run through that field. Amazing call-out!

[@julianahedigerborges4526]

I WAS WAITING FOR ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS ABOUT WICKED!!!

[@rygregory]

This video exemplifies why Wicked needs to win an Oscar for best picture and director.

[@DavidRamirez-vc8dr]

Director? I mean I loved it, but the color grading was atrocious and I don’t know why on earth they auto-tune professional singers. The raw vocals sound so much better and a lot of the shots and sets are ruined by blinding sunlight and lens flares.

[@tomasck2973]

​@@DavidRamirez-vc8drthe color grading is nice, it doesn't need to be super poppy technicolor like the original

[@DavidRamirez-vc8dr]

@@tomasck2973 yeah, but it also doesn’t have to look like the day after getting lasik

[@tomasck2973]

@@DavidRamirez-vc8dr I don't think it does. It only looks grim in emerald city after meeting the wizard, to accentuate the feeling of disillusionment. During Shiz and all other outdoor scenes it looks nice, bright and soft (except the forest scene, obvs)

[@DavidRamirez-vc8dr]

@ if you look at the dancing through life scene, you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s so overexposed. Worst part is the set would look fantastic otherwise.

[@angelinawilson75]

this breakdown made me appreciate the music of wicked so much more! I can't wait to check out your other content 😊

[@UnBaristaPromedio]

I cried watching this beautiful breakdown. Been watching your videos for a few years now. They keep getting better. Thank you. Love from Argentina ♥

[@HowardHoMusic]

Wow, gracias!

[@LaLayla99]

Love these breakdowns! I hope you're going to dissect all the songs in Wicked like this! 😍

[@captain__rogers42]

My brother is the musical one. He can look at an instrument and play it. My thing is languages. Studied Japanese in college. Studied abroad. The point, too late, is that this helps me appreciate the music on a deeper level. Maybe close to how my brother does. Thank you.

[@ClipsByLaura]

Wait, but the final riff is a perfect fifth, but then ends in a devils chord, right? Brilliant.

[@aphyxi]

I'm a music major right now and I love these videos!!! People don't realise how much detail goes into these things, it's really cool.

[@iam_jeremy]

This video is purely genius! It provides lots of insights into the music. Thank you for making this video!

[@Mombatramba]

After seeing the movie, I immediately looked up "Howard Ho Defying Gravity." I'm so glad it's happening now!!!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Haha...truly an honor to be thought of that way. Thanks!

[@reenchanted]

Me too! Just watched it tonight!

[@meg7578]

Yes, been waiting for this ❤

[@mati.romero81]

9:59 I'll use this beautiful reference to ask: Are you ever going to do videos on music besides musicals / movies / classical?? Pink Floyd for example, just to name one. Edit: I´ve been obsessed with wicked (the music) for almost 20 years. Every day is a marathon of analysis videos and reactions hahaha. Was waiting for this one!! Thankss

[@HowardHoMusic]

I'm not opposed to it. If I find a good take on something, I'll do it. For example, I made a video about Olivia Rodrigo's Drivers License: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5jUmGxujbSng6M

[@mati.romero81]

@@HowardHoMusic If you managed to make a video about that, doing one on pink floyd or the beatles material would break the internet. Seriously

[@angelstanton1112]

Your videos are always so amazing! Thank you so much!

[@Boundwithflame23]

Yaaay! I was anticipating this one!

[@tombstonerforever9374]

I know nothing about music but I love your videos

[@brockdavis2046]

Never thought one of your videos would make me cry but wow omg

[@taniab2018]

You do such great work. I learn so much from you. Thanks!

[@kenkatz8953]

That was awesome, Howard!!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Thanks for the hype!

[@andrewposner6703]

There’s one of their piece that makes this even more powerful. Except for a couple of instances, the song actually avoids the third almost at all. It never establishes itself in major or minor, which I think shows that Elphaba is still a bit unsure of her choice.

[@expensivepink7]

Great video as always and refreshing to watch amongst all other wicked content!

[@RandomRyter]

This needs more views!!!!

[@beccac6812]

Me literally after seeing the movie to myself: Howard Ho needs to make a video about the Wicked songs 😆 yay !

[@spirktrekker362]

Movie soundtrack fan here, I never knew about the perfect 5th or Tritone but it makes sense! 😮 thank you! ❤😊

[@wolfgangbar9790]

In german we have the saying of the glass ceiling (gläserne Decke), which means that it seems you are able to reach everything, because you can see it. But then you reach the ceiling and are not able to get through even though your goal is in sight you are not able to get it. In defying gravity Elphaba crashes the ceiling.

[@pizzaroneee]

THIS IS BRILLIANT IT MAKES ME SOB MORE WITH DEFYING GRAVITY

[@duanein3d]

My favorite musical theatre song of all time 💚

[@percyweasley9301]

Oe of the best videos in Wicked ❤❤

[@julianasilveira4806]

Yet another fantastic video. Your channel is always fantastic! The ending did make me wonder if the "allowed" opt-ups in the Defying Gravity battle cry are also all perfect fifths..?

[@allieglass9513]

When part 2 comes out next year, and if the music fits, I would be interested in seeing a companion video describing how Glinda maintains her bubble from when we catch up to her in Thank Goodness all the way through to For Good and the Finale. Unless something else stands out more as an interesting concept that I would still enjoy watching.

[@alittleantidote5852]

Psssssst *psssssssst* Have you come across EPIC The Musical? If so, would you be willing to do a video on it? If not, highly recommended! P.s. great video as always

[@HowardHoMusic]

Interesting. I'll check it out.

[@alittleantidote5852]

@HowardHoMusic *YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!*

[@feniaksfirings]

@@HowardHoMusicyou would definitely bring a unique analysis to it - I would love to see your review!!

[@Rosannasfriend]

This was interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheRaleyFamily]

I came here today just to hope you had covered one of the songs from Wicked. I hope you cover more of the songs. Incredible soundtrack.

[@elitettelbach4247]

Really awesome video!

[@Amandaaa2244]

I have only been waiting over 20 years for this video

[@HowardHoMusic]

Yes, me too!

[@AuthorZaraHoffman]

I was disappointed they didn't do the green glasses in the movie when they do them in the stage show.

[@camara1194]

Love hook theory and have your guys’ book!

[@katherinelynch4193]

Excellent as always! But just for argument’s sake, what do Bowen Yang’s glasses mean?

[@HowardHoMusic]

He's in Glinda's bubble.

[@hothotheat3000]

All I know is that by the time she’s singing TELL THEM HOW IIIIIIIII AM DEFYYYING….I felt like I could fly.

[@katara5083]

Im confident Cynthia Erivo would appreciate this very much

[@HowardHoMusic]

I'd be completely floored if she ever saw this!

[@Yuunarichu]

HECK YEAH FINALLY! (A new video!)

[@mildlycornfield]

I get the symbolism behind Elphaba losing her glasses, but honestly I can't help thinking about the fact she probably can't see a damn thing for 2/3rds of the story... Contact lenses don't exist in Oz!!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Hahaha...you stumped me there.

[@NeliaFeliz]

I really enjoy this explanation and I will now pay attention when I go see the new movie.

[@DoobooDomo]

oh thank goodness, I was worried that you wouldn't mention 6:22

[@HowardHoMusic]

I was saving it for that moment!

[@DoobooDomo]

@@HowardHoMusic excellent creative choice, I should have trusted

[@trevormcmahan4415]

Holy shit this analysis is so good! Thank you!!

[@thecosplaycrafter8017]

Isn't Oscar Diggs from Kansas? That was how the Wizard in the 1939 movie related to Dorothy. I haven't read the original novel, but I don't think that would have deviated unless Omaha (Nebraska) was just a more convenient name to turn into a fake incantation.

[@DrowsyQueen]

God i love music

[@altas6067]

Good video but the title says its about Defying gravity and how that song in particular works musically, however most of the video is spent talking about the visuals and metaphors of other parts of the movie. Nothing wrong but probably rename the video instead of saying how it works musically, as you really only touched on perfect 5ths for the song itself.

[@krio.]

5:12 Sorry but no. In photography that's the rule of thirds (2:1, not 3:2). You're reaching

[@HowardHoMusic]

I appreciate that, but the "rule of thirds" is different than what I'm talking about, which is how images interact with story, theme, and metaphor.

[@krio.]

@@HowardHoMusic sure but your other examples starting at 6:10 don't really have your 3:2 ratio. Even Wicked's landscape scene at 6:18 isn't 3:2, nor the Superman landscape scenes. It's a stretch.

[@paintspot]

Also, it's MIRA-bel and not MARI-bel. -Paintspot Infez Wasabi!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Thanks for the correction. My bad.

[@CalxiynCaresTooMuch]

We are SO BACK!!!

[@TheLoonyLovebad1]

I really wish for this video you analyzed the Broadway version, and then talked about the changes made for the movie. This video makes it seem like the movie version is the original, and like all those motifs were invented to line up with the window imagery, but the song was not invented for the movie imagery. I’m also sad you touched on the green glasses but didn’t mention that they wear them in the musical. I don’t understand why they didn’t have them in the movie, they have something from the original source material that perfectly lines up with the message of their story, the wizard being a fraud, and they don’t use it! I don’t get it. I love your videos, and I love this analysis of the music but wish you had even acknowledged the original at all

[@HowardHoMusic]

That's fair. My goal in this video was to say something new, and the movie provided a lot of new things to talk about, which is why I focused on that. I'm planning future videos where I will talk about lots of other topics including its relationship with the stage show.

[@KnowledgeSeeker78491]

What’s the song at the end of this video?!!

[@HowardHoMusic]

I composed it! You can find my original music sold in my Patreon store: www.patreon.com/c/howardho/shop

[@officalearth]

10:55 NEBRASKA MENTIONTED!!!!!!!

[@HowardHoMusic]

Haha

[@EurekaX]

Great video! One word of advice - I really don’t like the isolated vocals, I wish you would keep the backing when playing a snippet.

[@HowardHoMusic]

Sure, I get what you mean. My goal with that is to avoid copyright issues. I'll try to mix it up more in the future.

[@EurekaX]

@@HowardHoMusic Ahhh I thought it was a stylistic choice. No problem then, makes sense. Loved the analysis and can’t wait for warriors!

[@yashpuri4881]

Please make a video on the Warriors album by LMM. There are many different genres and I really liked it

[@HowardHoMusic]

I'm working on it!

[@trentmurray7680]

Man, this video was kinda disappointing. I usually love Howard's stuff but this one felt like it was barely about the music and almost entirely padded with visual interpretations that really were a stretch I fell in love with the channel because of the brain blast moments where it showed me why a song works so well and all the technique and intention behind musical numbers This had like two small moments of that which were awesome and then just...not musical theory

[@HowardHoMusic]

Sorry you felt that way. Sometimes with songs that are well-known, it's hard to find new things to say about it. I'm not interested in repeating what everyone, including Stephen Schwartz himself, has already said. With Wicked, the new thing was the movie, so I tried to analyze it more from the perspective of how the film added to the meaning of the song.

[@alicialudden9994]

I respectfully disagree. Much of the video discussed the perfect 5th in Defying Gravity and other famous scores. I appreciated examples of films in which 3/2 visuals provide harmony with the music for cohesive storytelling. Thank you @HowardHo for deepening my appreciation for the art of musicals on film!

[@skylord2422]

Warriors analysis when 👀

[@HowardHoMusic]

Sooner than you think!

[@skylord2422]

@ tysm

[@darkartsninja]

I loved this video so much! I've always enjoyed your "How [song name] works" series. It's so fascinating to learn more about a song & its meaning. Btw, if you are taking suggestions, could you someday make a video analyzing the season 3 finale song from The Boys? (aka "I can do anything") I have a feeling that there are a lot of secrets behind that song but I don't have the music theory knowledge to figure it out...

[@HowardHoMusic]

Oh cool! I like hearing what people are interested in. If I have a hot take, I might do it. Thanks again for watching!

[@matoumon]

That’s not a bubble at 10:07 it’s a halo around her head

[@HowardHoMusic]

True! And in my interpretation, it's both. The "bubble" is a metaphor for how she manipulates others to view her more favorably. And a halo is also a popular symbol for someone who is viewed favorably. Symbolism works even better when it has multiple ways of resonating.

[@djrn1621]

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@carolinahuitron4074]

I love all your videos analyzing those songs! Thank you!! 🤩 Are you planning on doing more videos on SIX? 😁

[@Heothbremel]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jan-pi-ala-suli]

well this isn’t the science of it

[@BertaRS]

I'll be honest, as someone who wears glasses, I'm very tired of them being used as a metaphor. Me showing up anywhere without them? It means the world is blurry and I'm not getting far. I really loved all the information about the Perfect Fifth though.

[@DragonPrincessAoife]

I can not stand that they messed with the flow of the ending in the film...

[@SnakeWasRight]

I don't get it. This is quite possibly the most boring and generic song I've heard in a loooong time. Like, what I'd think of as a parody of musicals, if it wasn't trying to be funny or fun at all. Not trying to be mean, but I just don't get this one. 😕

[@HowardHoMusic]

Have you seen the film?

[@regionalvariantmaker]

Tell me you're tone deaf without telling me you're tone deaf.

[@SnakeWasRight]

@regionalvariantmaker has nothing to do with tone. Plenty of tone in other songs. Just so generic. Picks up slightly at the end, but nothing I haven't heard a thousand times. Nothing catchy or unique like some of the other songs. Generic musical is all I can say about it.

[@skallywalla502]

I love how much I always learn from your videos. 💚🩷 And I second the requests for more Wicked content!

[@jorunnvervoort8830]

Im seeing wicked in the movie theather in 2 days. Do I wait to watch this to not have spoilers? Or do I watch it now so I can fully appreciate the depth and musical significance of this song while watching it on the big screen? 💚🩷

[@HowardHoMusic]

There's spoilers, so I'd say watch it after. Appreciate you asking!

[@jorunnvervoort8830]

@ I usually don’t mind spoilers that much but I’ll wait and watch it after! I appreciate you answering!