If you’ve spent any time on the musical side of the internet lately, you’ve probably heard it. That soaring, slightly melancholic melody that sounds like a classic Disney ballad but feels... different. I’m talking about Rachel Zegler Waiting on a Wish lyrics, the standout "I Want" song from the 2025 Snow White live-action reimagining.
Honestly, the track has sparked a massive amount of debate. Some fans love the modern, empowering twist Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (the duo behind The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen) brought to the table. Others? Well, they’re still mourning the loss of the original 1937 "I’m Wishing."
But if you actually look at the words Zegler is singing, there is a lot more going on than just a simple princess song. It’s not just about a girl waiting for a prince. It’s about a girl waiting for herself.
Why Waiting on a Wish Hits Differently
The song starts with Snow White at the iconic wishing well. You know the one. But instead of just singing to the birds, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who feels fundamentally trapped.
"Little girl at a lonely well with the same little tale to tell, feeling trapped by the walls that hold her, feeling stuck in the story they’ve told her."
That’s a heavy start for a Disney movie.
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What’s interesting about the Rachel Zegler Waiting on a Wish lyrics is the shift in focus. In the original, Snow White is looking for "the one." In this 2025 version, she’s looking for a version of herself that was lost. She mentions her father—the King—and wanting to "be my father's daughter." It’s less about romance and way more about leadership and legacy.
Breaking Down the Key Lyrics
The chorus is where the "earworm" factor really kicks in. It’s catchy, but the words are actually pretty heartbreaking if you listen closely:
- "Waiting on a wish, beneath a thousand treetops..." – This sets the scene of her isolation.
- "I close my eyes and see the girl I’m meant to be. Is she a part of me I’ve yet to find?" – This is the core of the song. It’s an identity crisis set to a C-major scale.
- "Someone who just might be brave. Someone no one needs to save." – This is the "meta" moment. It’s a direct response to the decades of criticism that Snow White was a passive character.
Zegler has mentioned in interviews that her favorite line is the very end: "I can always dream, but then I wake up and it’s me again." It’s a gut punch. It’s that feeling of knowing you have potential but being stuck in a reality that won't let you reach it.
The Pasek and Paul Signature
If you think the song sounds a bit like Dear Evan Hansen or The Greatest Showman, you aren’t crazy. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have a very specific style. They love "vocal leaps" and lyrics that lean into the "inner monologue" style of musical theater.
In the Rachel Zegler Waiting on a Wish lyrics, they use a lot of internal rhyme. Words like "disobey," "fades away," and "someday" create a rhythmic flow that feels very contemporary. They also brought in Jack Feldman and even Lizzy McAlpine for parts of the soundtrack, which gives the whole album a more "indie-folk-meets-Broadway" vibe.
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The Big Controversy: Is it Too "Girlboss"?
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. A lot of people on Reddit and TikTok have criticized the lyrics for being "too modern."
The argument is basically that by making Snow White want to be a "fearless leader," Disney is stripping away what made her special—her gentleness and kindness. Critics argue that "Waiting on a Wish" feels like it’s trying too hard to be "empowered."
However, if you look at the bridge—the part where she talks about the "echo"—the song acknowledges the struggle.
"They say all you have to do to make your wish come true, is let it echo... well, I can hear the echo loud and clear, but I'm still waiting here."
It’s actually a very honest portrayal of frustration. She’s doing everything the "fairytales" say to do, but nothing is changing. That’s a pretty relatable human emotion, whether you're a princess in a magic kingdom or just someone stuck in a dead-end job in 2026.
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Where to Hear the Full Version
The song was officially released on March 5, 2025, just before the movie hit theaters. If you want the full experience, the soundtrack includes:
- The main version sung by Rachel Zegler.
- A shorter "Reprise" that happens later in the film when things get dark.
- A "Main on Ends" version that plays during the credits.
There are also international versions, like "Espero que se cumpla" in Spanish, which honestly sounds incredible given Zegler’s heritage and vocal range.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Singers
If you’re planning on covering this song or just want to understand it better, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Mind the Vocal Flips: Zegler uses a lot of light, "heady" tones in the beginning and switches to a powerful "belt" during the "someone no one needs to save" line. It’s a masterclass in vocal dynamics.
- Context Matters: The song isn't just about being sad. It’s about the tension between who people expect her to be (the "little girl") and who she knows she is.
- Listen to the Reprise: The reprise is much shorter but has a much more determined tone. It shows the character's growth in just a few lines.
The Rachel Zegler Waiting on a Wish lyrics represent a massive shift in how Disney approaches their "legacy" princesses. Whether you love the change or miss the wishing well of 1937, you can't deny that the song is a powerhouse. It’s a complicated, beautiful, and slightly messy look at what it means to grow up.
To get the most out of the soundtrack, listen to "Waiting on a Wish" back-to-back with the new version of "Whistle While You Work." You'll see how the songwriters used the new original tracks to bridge the gap between the 1930s charm and 2025 storytelling.