For Good

For Good is a song from the musical Wicked. It is sung as a duet between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda as a farewell to each other, before Elphaba is "melted" by Dorothy. During the song, Elphaba gives Glinda the Grimmerie and tells her that it's up to her to continue Elphaba's cause. The song is reprised as part of the show's finale.

It has been noted as a "very deep and moving song". On December 9, 2004 it was one of the top downloads on iTunes along with "Defying Gravity," "Popular," and "What is this Feeling."

'This song has great emotional power behind it because it is the last time that the two witches see each other before Elphaba's infamous melting.' (Broadway: The American Musical, PBS TV) The sentiments behind this piece are the ones that have been lurking in the back of the audience's mind since the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda started. They all knew that the friendship would come to an untimely end, and most likely wondered if the two would ever get to say a proper goodbye. This song is the culmination of their friendship and as such, has a sad and melancholic feel to the lyrics.

The accompaniment is discussed in a rehearsal with the American stars Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda and Idina Menzel as Elphaba. The musical producer and the composer change the accompaniment so that it is no longer 'heavy handed'. They go on to talk about the importance of the union of a good plot and storywriter with the music to enhance it.

Context

Template:Spoiler This is one of the last songs heard in Wicked, and is the final song to not be a reprise of an earlier song, it is also the very last time Elphaba and Glinda sing together. After receving a note from the monkeys regarding Fiyero she says she has given up as she has failed, and begs Glinda to take charge with good. The two then sing this song, and after Elphaba leaves and we see a mob of angry citizens attack her, and finally Dorothy chucks a bucket of water over her leading to her supposed demise. Template:Endspoiler