Defying Gravity

This article is about Kurt and Rachel's version. You may be looking for Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel's version.

Defying Gravity from Wicked is featured in Wheels, the ninth episode of Season One. It is sung by Kurt and Rachel.

They sing it during the New Directions' first "Diva-Off" because Will is thinking about using the song at Sectionals. At first, he gives the part to Rachel. However, Burt learns that Kurt wanted the solo for Sectionals, so he complains to Figgins and Will allows Kurt to audition for the solo. However, Kurt throws the competition by blowing the high F so that Burt won't have to endure more homophobic telephone calls and consequently, Rachel wins.

Three different versions of the song were released: the duet by Kurt and Rachel featured on the show, and a solo version by both Kurt and Rachel.

Lyrics[]

Kurt:
Something has changed within me
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!

Rachel:
It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity

Kurt:
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!

I'm through accepting limits
'cause someone says they're so

Rachel:
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know!

Kurt:
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost

Rachel:
Well, if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost... (Kurt: Cost)

Kurt:
I'd sooner buy defying gravity

Rachel:
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity

Kurt:
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!
I'd sooner buy defying gravity

Rachel:
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity

Kurt:
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down!

Rachel:
Bring me down!
Ohhhhh, ohhhhh! (Kurt Ohhhhh!)

Rachel:
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules
Of someone else's game

Kurt:
Too late for second guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes and leap!

Kurt and Rachel:
(Rachel: It's time to) try defying gravity
(Rachel: I think I'll) try defying gravity
(Rachel: Kiss me) goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down

Rachel:
I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so

Kurt:
Some things I cannot change
But till I try I'll never know!

Rachel:
Too long I've been afraid of

Kurt:
Losing love I guess I've lost

Kurt and Rachel:
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
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down
Bring me down

Rachel:
Ohhhhhh, ohhhhhh

Kurt/Rachel:
Something has changed within me
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
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you won't bring me down

I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till 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
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you won't bring me down
Bring me down

Ohhhhhh, ohhhhhh

Trivia[]

This is the first released Glee song which features a Kurt solo.
The story of this song on Glee is based on an experience Chris Colfer had in high school, when despite his repeated requests in several years, his choir teacher refused to allow him to sing Defying Gravity due to his gender since Elphaba is a female character. However, his grandma allowed him to perform it at a church.
This performance was the first diva-off of the series.
This is the first Kurt-Rachel duet from "Wicked" before For Good and Popular.
This song is later referenced in the episode Diva, when Kurt finally reveals to Rachel that he missed the high F on purpose. This motivates Rachel and Kurt to have a second diva-off.
Who sings which parts differ in the single version and the episode version.
This song was originally sung by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel who portray April and Shelby on Glee, respectively.
This is one of many numbers in which Will announces to be part of their competition setlist, but is ultimately not included.
Kurt's solo version of this song is featured in Glee Forever! app.