"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