Have you heard about the latest buzz surrounding Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s song “Defying Gravity”? It’s been making waves on social media, and there’s a new phrase that’s caught everyone’s attention: “holding space.” But what does it mean, and why is it so special?

“Holding space” is a term that means being fully present with someone else, without judging them or trying to fix them. It’s about creating a safe and supportive environment for someone to express themselves. In the context of “Defying Gravity,” it means taking the time to really connect with the song’s empowering lyrics and find personal meaning in them.

The song “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked has long been an anthem for those who feel “othered” by society. Its lyrics speak to breaking free from limitations and embracing one’s true self. Recently, during an interview, journalist Tracey E. Gilchrist mentioned that people are “holding space” for the song’s lyrics and finding power in them. Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, was visibly moved by this comment, and Ariana Grande reached out to comfort her by holding her finger.

This moment has resonated with many, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, who have found solace and strength in the song’s message. The idea of “holding space” has now become a popular phrase on social media, with fans sharing how the song has impacted their lives.

So, next time you listen to “Defying Gravity,” take a moment to hold space for its powerful message. You might just find a new sense of empowerment and connection.

Defying Gravity Lyrics

[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 them

[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

[GLINDA]
Unlimited

[ELPHABA]
Unlimited
And nobody in all of Oz
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