And Still I Rise, Part One: "Touch Me, Life, Not Softly" Summary

"A King of Love, Some Say" tells the story of an abused lover. The writer equates all love with the pain of abuse. A type of love plays out again in "Country Lover." Romantic love it is not, but a more casual relationship. "Remembrance" calls to mind a previous love, that is now gone. Continuing in this theme, "Where We Belong, A Duet" expresses the joy of a couple finally in love, after a lifetime of searching.

The well-known "Phenomenal Woman" shows a woman proud of her gender. She does not claim to be perfect in societal terms. She does, however, possess many redeeming characteristics. Her physical beauty is not overlooked, but the description flows deeper, to emotional and relational strengths...