PHENOMENAL WOMAN
by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size.
But when I start to tell them, they think I'm telling lies.
I say...
It's in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips,
the stride of my step, the curl of my lips.
I'm woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room just as cool as you please,
and to a man, the fellows stand or fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me, a hive of honey bees.
I say...
It's the fire in my eyes, and the flash of my teeth,
the swing in my waist, and the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered what they see in me.
They try so much, but they can't touch my inner mystery.
When I try to show them they say they still can't see.
I say...
It's the arch of my back the sun of my smile,
the ride of my breast, the grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about. Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing it ought to make you proud.
I say...
It's in the click of my heels, the bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand, the need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
THAT'S ME.
