A Sentimental Man

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with Elphaba's earnest wish to help animals, met by the Wizard's quick, almost practiced agreement. He immediately pivots, launching into a song that declares himself "a sentimental man" with a deep longing to be a father. This sets up his seemingly benevolent offer as rooted in his personal history and emotional needs. The central tension emerges from the Wizard's self-proclaimed generosity. While he promises to "raise you high" and give Elphaba "the chance to fly," his motivations are framed by his own emotional gratification. His agreement to her altruistic desire quickly becomes a narrative about his fulfillment, treating all citizens "as son or daughter" to satisfy his paternal yearning. The craft here is particularly effective in its subtle subversion of the Wizard's persona. The repeated phrase "A sentimental man" anchors his self-image, yet the crucial line "allows me to feel so Parental" reveals a transactional element. His actions, though outwardly supportive, are presented as a means to achieve his own emotional satisfaction rather than purely selfless aid. This lyrical approach creates a nuanced, perhaps even unsettling, character portrait. It suggests that even seemingly good deeds can be driven by complex, self-serving motivations, making the listener question the true nature of his "sentimentality." The contrast between Elphaba's simple request and the Wizard's elaborate, self-focused response makes his benevolence feel less like a gift and more like a personal project.