"What About Love?" is a song featured in the 2023 film The Color Purple with lyrics written by Stephen Bray, Allee Willis, and Brenda Russell.
Background[]
It is sung by the characters Celie and Shug Avery, who express their newfound feelings of love and passion for each other. The song is a duet that features both singers asking each other "What about love?" and describing the emotions they experience when they are together. It also reflects the theme of love and friendship that is central to the story of The Color Purple, as Celie and Shug find a source of strength and happiness in each other that they have never had before. The song also represents the color purple, which symbolizes spirituality, creativity, and enchantment.
Lyrics[]
Celie:
Is that me who's floatin' away?
Lifted up to the clouds by a kiss
Never felt nothin' like this
Shug:
Will you be my light in the storm?
Will I see a new world in your eyes?
Both:
With you, my whole spirit rise
Celie:
And what about hope?
Shug:
What about hope?
Celie:
What about joy?
Shug:
What about joy?
Both:
What about tears when I'm happy?
What about wings when I fall?
I want you to be a story for me
That I can believe in forever!!!
Shug:
And what about...
Celie:
What about...
Shug:
What about...
Celie:
What about...
Both:
Love?
Celie:
What about...
Shug:
What about...
Celie:
What about...
Shug:
What about...
Celie:
What about love?
You and me,
Shug:
You and me,
Celie:
You and me
Shug:
You and me and love now
Celie:
Sing to me
Shug:
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Both:
What about...
Shug:
What about...
Celie:
What about...
Both:
Love?
