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"Too Beautiful for Words" is a song featured in the 2023 film The Color Purple with lyrics written by Stephen Bray, Allee Willis, and Brenda Russell. It is performed by the character of Shug Avery, a glamorous blues singer who befriends the protagonist Celie, a poor and abused black woman in rural Georgia. In the song, Shug sings to Celie, trying to make her see her own beauty and worth when she has only ever been told how ugly and worthless she is. The song is a tender and uplifting moment in the musical, as Shug helps Celie discover her self-esteem and identity.

Lyrics[]

I've always been the kind of gal that had a lot to say
I've says the things that's on my mind, too dumb to shy away
But you hush my mouth, and still me
With a song I never heard

I guess that means that you are just
Too beautiful for words

I've seen this life from high and low
And all that's in between
I've danced with dukes, crooned with counts
Been courted like a queen

But when I see what's in your heart
All the rest is blurred

The grace you bring into this world's
Too beautiful for words

You hide your head under your wings
Just like a little bird
Oh, don't you know you're beautiful
Too beautiful for words

Ooh Celie
You're too beautiful for words


v - e - d
The Color Purple transparent logo
Media
The Color Purple (soundtrack/video) • The Color Purple (2023) (soundtrack/video)
Books: The Color Purple
Characters
Celie Harris JohnsonNettie HarrisShug AveryMiss MillieSofiaAlbert JohnsonHarpo JohnsonMary AgnesMamaOl' Mister JohnsonSamuel AveryFirst LadyAlphonso HarrisHenry BroadnaxGrady
Locations
GeorgiaAfricaMemphisHarpo's Juke JointCelie's Fancy PantsMister's HouseElmira Movie TheaterGeneral StoreDeadwood BeachShug's HouseTennessee
Songs
1985 film: MakidadaJunk Bucket BluesThe Dirty DozensMiss Celie's Blues (Sister)Don't Make Me No Never Mind (Slow Drag)Heaven Belongs to YouOld Ship of ZionMaybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Somethin'Hot LipsScarification Chant and Katutoku CorinneBody and Soul
2023 film: Huckleberry PieMysterious WaysShe Be MineKeep It Movin'Lily of the FieldWorkin'Too Beautiful for WordsH--- No!Arkansas BluesShug AverySing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)Shake That ThingDear God - ShugProve It On Me Blues(It Will Have To Do) Until The Real Thing Comes AlongPush Da ButtonWhat About Love?AgooHeaven Help This Heart Of MineMy Faith Looks Up To TheeMiss Celie's Pants(What Did I Do To Be So) Black And BlueI'm HereThe Color PurpleSuperpower (I)
Music From and Inspired By: Risk It AllNo Love LostLifelineFinallyWhen I Can't Do BetterThere Will Come a DayAny WorseYou See MeAll I Need100EternityNo TimeGirls
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