One Short Day Lyrics – Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande

One Short Day Lyrics Meaning

In the opening lines of “One Short Day,” the characters express their excitement about spending a single day in the incredible Emerald City. The repetition of “one short day” emphasizes the idea that they only have a limited time to experience everything the city has to offer. They know this will be a special day, filled with new discoveries, and they’re eager to take it all in before it ends.

As they wander through the city, they marvel at the sights around them. The buildings are described as towering like trees, and there are so many places to explore, such as dress salons, libraries, palaces, and museums. Everything in the city is grand and green, a perfect reflection of the magical world they’ve entered. They’re overwhelmed by the beauty and the abundance of things to do. They feel like they’ve found their place, and it’s easy to see why they want to come back someday. But for now, they decide to enjoy every moment of their “one short day.”

The next section of the song reveals their sense of adventure and the excitement of being in such a vibrant city. They’re aware that they’re part of something special, and they even want to leave their mark on the city. They sing about how their visit will be unforgettable, and the city will know they were there. It’s a playful, energetic part of the song where the characters are both impressed by the city and eager to explore its many wonders.

The next part shifts to a more narrative tone, where the song introduces a historical legend from the land of Oz. It talks about the magical wise ones who lived in Oz long before the characters arrived, and how they created a powerful magical book called the Grimmerie. Over time, those who could read the book passed away, and the knowledge was lost. However, the wise ones left behind a prophecy that one day, someone would come with the power to read the Grimmerie and restore joy to Oz.

As the song continues, the prophecy begins to unfold. A man arrives in Oz, floating down from the sky in a hot air balloon. The characters wonder if this man is the one the prophecy spoke of, the one who will bring happiness back to Oz. They eagerly test whether he can read the Grimmerie, and when they discover that he can, they believe they’ve found the wizard who will save the land. This moment is full of excitement and anticipation, as the characters realize that the prophecy has been fulfilled.

The song then takes on a celebratory tone, as the people of Oz rejoice in the arrival of the wizard. The characters describe him as a magical figure whose grand arrival will bring joy to everyone in Oz. His presence is seen as a blessing, and the city feels brighter and more hopeful now that he’s here. The excitement builds as the citizens of Oz sing praises to the wizard, celebrating the promise of a better future.

In the final section, the focus returns to the two friends who are exploring the Emerald City together. They reflect on how special this day has been and how they’ll always remember it. Despite the magical events happening around them, their friendship remains at the heart of their experience. They may only have one short day, but they cherish it fully, knowing that this is just the beginning of their adventure. Their bond is a reminder that, no matter where they are, they’re together, enjoying the magic of the moment.