Top Ten ‘Glee’ Performances
#2 – ‘Defying Gravity’ – Kurt and Rachel
For me, the Glee storyline that consistently packs the greatest emotional punch is the relationship between the (very) gay Kurt Hummel and his blue collar dad.
Kurt comes out to his dad early in the season, expecting the worst. Instead, Burt Hummel responds with a shrug, saying “I know, I’ve known since you were three. All you wanted for your birthday was a pair of sensible heels.”
But Burt, a mechanic, isn’t some fantasy character. He admits that his son didn’t turn out how he expected, and that this situation isn’t one he would have chosen. He’s not entirely comfortable but he’s completely accepting and loving. He’s all the more wonderful for being so real.
As for Kurt, he worries about not fitting into his dad’s world. He tries out for football and attempts a John Mellencamp makeover to win approval, and he gets jealous when Burt and Finn bond over sports. He’s insecure, despite Burt’s reassurance.
The most poignant Kurt/Burt episode is Wheels. Kurt has argued for and won the chance to audition for a lead vocal on ‘Defying Gravity,’ a song written for a woman’s voice. He knows he can hit the notes. His father backs him one hundred percent, even as he receives taunting anonymous phone calls about his son being gay.
But Kurt, wishing to spare his father the embarrassment of having his son perform the song in front of an audience, throws his audition by faltering on a high note. He later confesses this to Burt and explains that, while he is used to constant ridicule, he doesn’t think his dad is ready. The idea of this fragile but oh so strong young man protecting his father is just beautiful.
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 am defying gravity
And you wont 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 wont 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!
ohh ohhh ohhhh!
Meet Me In Montauk 
Yes, this is a highlight of the season – and would be my #1 moment by a landslide.
Not only does the drama around this sing-off/audition provide all sorts of sometimes amusing, often powerful moments (from the meeting between Kurt’s father and the principal, apparently inspired by a similar situation that happened to Chris Colfer at his high school, to Rachel’s concern over whether she can garner enough votes from her fellow Gleeks when Kurt is so much more likeable than she is), but the lyrics of the song itself are enough to put me through the emotional ringer every single time I hear it.
Literally.
I get much ribbing from my family that I’m not able to listen to more than a few bars from this song without starting to cry, but what can I say? These lyrics, meant initially for Elphaba to sing as she vows not to be beaten by those narrow-minded forces around her, could not be any more appropriate for what these two young people are feeling at this moment.
For Rachel, it’s simple. She’s getting closer to her goals – winning Finn’s affection and becoming a star.
For Kurt, their meaning is so much more significant, as they speak to how he is finally willing to come to terms with who he is.
Honestly, when the two of them go back and forth on this verse:
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!
How is there ever a dry eye in anyone’s house?
Couldn’t agree more with Amy. So, I’ll just say ditto:)
Just thinking about this scene – the very scene posted by Amy on Facebook that is responsible for me deciding to get on the Glee bandwagon – makes me tear up. I am with Amy – again – that this is without a doubt my number 1 selection from season 1. The poignancy of the lyrics and the facial expressions and looks on the characters’ faces throughout the scene are what made me decide to watch the show. The first half of the season was already over, but I was able to start from the top and get caught up so that I had to spend those painful months waiting for its April return.
I agree with you about the Kurt/Burt relationship, but I would say that this episode was one of two knockouts for them. The other came in the “Theatricality” episode where Burt invites Finn and his mother to move in with them. His speech to Finn late in that episode brings me to tears every time. Their dynamic is incredible and it’s just another little piece of what makes this show so special on so many levels.
I am so curious to see what your number 1 will be – I was sure it would be this one. And I’ve been thinking about a few that I would have included in my list that I haven’t seen yet, so I’ll be looking forward to sharing those tomorrow. 🙂
I considered making today’s clip my #1 for awhile, because I agree that it was the emotional high point of the show’s first season. And Kerrie, I totally agree about Burt’s big speech in ‘Theatricality,’ which would probably top a list of the show’s best non-musical scenes.
But I wanted more of an ensemble piece to wrap things up and kick off the new season, so that’s why I ordered things the way I did… and that’s all I’ll say until tomorrow.
Okay, I won’t stop believin’ in your countdown! 🙂
I’m a little late as we were in New York for the weekend. I just want to say that Kurt is my favorite character on the show. He’s funny, vulnerable, and has a wonderful voice. This is a great scene.