Phenomenal Woman, by Maya Angelou

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies

I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion 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 steps

The curl of my lips.

I'm a 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 of 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 in the arch of my back The sun of my smile

The ride of my breasts

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 for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman That's me.