Dancing Through Life is a lively and upbeat song from the Broadway musical Wicked, for which Stephen Schwartz wrote all of the lyrics and music. The song premiered in 2003 as part of Wicked’s original stage production. Sung by the character Fiyero, a charismatic and carefree prince, the lyrics encourage others to enjoy life without taking anything too seriously or worrying about whatever obstacles may come across their paths. Taking place within the dreamlike world of Oz, this song conveys themes about embracing the now, indulging in life’s finer things, and simply going with it through all its ups and downs.
Accompanied with it’s energetic pace, addictive tune, and lively dance number, Dancing Through Life” has become somewhat of an anthem within Wicked, continuously leaving fans feeling invigorated through its positive outlook on life.
Dancing Through Life:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Dancing Through Life |
| Lyricist | Stephen Schwartz |
| Composer | Stephen Schwartz |
| Musical | Wicked |
| First Performance | 2003 |
| Character Singing | Fiyero |
| Genre | Musical Theater, Showtune |
| Themes | Carefree Living, Spontaneity, Fun, Embracing Life |
| Key Message | Encourages living in the moment and not taking life too seriously |
| Setting | The magical land of Oz |
| Reception | Loved for its upbeat tone and playful lyrics; a key moment in Wicked |
| Notable Lyrics | “Dancing through life, skimming the surface, gliding where turf is smooth” |
Dancing Through Life Lyrics
The trouble with schools is
They always try to teach the wrong lesson
Believe me, I’ve been kicked out of enough of them to know
They want you to become less callow, less shallow
But I say, Why invite stress in?
Stop studying strife
And learn to live “the unexamined life.”
Dancing through life
Skimming the surface
Gliding where turf is smooth
Life’s more painless
For the brainless
Why think too hard?
When it’s so soothing
Dancing through life
No need to tough it
When you can slough it off as I do
Nothing matters
But knowing nothing matters
It’s just life
So keep dancing through
Dancing through life
Swaying and sweeping
And always keeping cool
Life is fraught-less
When you’re thoughtless
Those who don’t try
Never look foolish
Dancing through life
Mindless and careless
Make sure you’re where less trouble is rife
Woes are fleeting
Blows are glancing
When you’re dancing
Through life
So, what’s the most swankified place in town?
That would be the Ozdust Ballroom
Sounds perfect!
Let’s go down to the Ozdust Ballroom
We’ll meet there later tonight
We can dance ’til it’s light
Find the prettiest girl
Give her a whirl
Right on down to the Ozdust Ballroom
Come on, follow me
You’ll be happy to be there
Dancing through life down at the Ozdust
If only because dust is what we come to
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters
It’s just life
So keep dancing through
Miss Galinda, I hope you’ll save at least one dance for me
I’ll be right there, waiting all night
Oh, that’s so kind
But you know what would be even kinder?
See that tragically beautiful girl
The one in the chair
It seems so unfair
We should go on a spree
And not she, gee
I know someone would be my hero
If that someone were to go invite her
Well, maybe I could invite her?
Oh, Bick, really?
You would do that for me?
I would do anything for you, Miss Galinda
So
So I’ll be picking you up around eight?
After all
Now that we’ve met one another
It’s clear we deserve each other
You’re perfect
You’re perfect, so we’re perfect together
Born to be forever
Dancing through life
Oh, Elphaba, isn’t it wonderful?
Finally, for this one night
I’m about to have a fun night
With this Munchkin boy Galinda found for me
And I only wish there were
Something I could do for her to repay her
Elphaba, see?
We deserve each other
And Galinda helped it come true
We deserve each other, me and Boq
Please Elphaba, try to understand
I do
Galinda, listen, Nessa and I were talking about you just now
And I was just talking about you!
I thought you might want to wear this hat to the party tonight!
It’s really, um, sharp, don’t you think?
You know, black is this year’s pink
You deserve each other, this hat and you
You’re both so smart
You deserve each other so here
Out of the goodness of my heart
Listen, Nessa?
Yes?
Uh, Nessa
I’ve got something to confess, a
Reason why, well
Why I asked you here tonight
Now I know it isn’t fair
Oh, Boq, I know why
You do?
It’s because I’m in this chair
And you felt sorry for me
Well, isn’t that right?
No! No! Because,
Because you are so beautiful!
Oh, Boq, I think you’re wonderful!
And we deserve each other
Don’t you see, this is our chance?
We deserve each other
Don’t we, Boq?
You know what?
Let’s dance
What?
Let’s dance! (dancing through lifed down at the Ozdust)
(If only because dust is what we come to!)
(And the strange thing is, your life could end up changing.)
(While you’re dancing)
(Through!)
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