If That Ain't It I Quit
@ Rock-Weekend: B.B. King Lyrics
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If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
It don't mean a thing
All you got to do is sing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Oh, it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
B.B. King's song "If That Ain't It I Quit" is a playful and upbeat tune that celebrates the importance of swing in music. The opening lines, "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing," are a nod to Duke Ellington's famous song, underscoring the value of rhythm and melody in creating a memorable tune. King emphasizes the importance of rhythm over melody, encouraging listeners to focus on the feel of the music rather than the individual notes being played or sung. The repetition of the doo-wop backing vocals is a perfect example of this approach, grounding the song in a steady beat that propels the listener forward.
Throughout the song, King extols the virtues of swing, declaring that it doesn't matter whether a song is sweet or hot as long as it's got rhythm. He encourages his audience to give everything they've got to the beat, suggesting that true musical greatness is achieved when the players and singers are fully invested in the groove. By the end of the song, King is practically shouting his love for swing and his commitment to making music that gets people moving.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
If something doesn't have a certain quality, it's not valuable or worthwhile.
If it ain't got that swing
If something doesn't have a lively rhythm or beat, it's not enjoyable or exciting.
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
These syllables represent the sound of the music, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and beat.
All you got to do is sing
To add to the enjoyment of the music, all one needs to do is participate by singing along.
It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter.
If it's sweet or hot
Whether the music is slow and sweet, or fast and energetic.
Just give that rhythm
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the beat throughout the song.
Ev'rything you got
Giving it your all and putting in maximum effort to keep the rhythm going.
Oh, it don't mean a thing
Reiterating the importance of rhythm in making the music valuable or worthwhile.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shawnjenkins8528
In love with a promiscuous woman will make a man sing the blues... BB King and Jack Daniels will take you to a different place ❤️
@tpr299
After last week Jack Daniels will really take you to a different place.
@WorldPeaceRecordings
What type woman do you like❤
@nathanmccloud3572
As a youngster growing up in the 50,s and 60,s my father had a blues Cafe, my mother would make fish dinners there, those were good times, and watching the old men get so drunk listening to the blues, they would grab their hankerchief and actually be crying,as I got older I begin to feel their pain
@nickwilson2872
Thanks for sharing your insight, internet stranger(sir)
@Pr3lude9
A group of us were having some drinks, playing music, and I decided to put this on. Not because I cared if anyone was interested but I wanted to hear it. Instantly everyone was enjoying it. Like King said, music is made for everybody to enjoy, and a musicians job is to put a smile on the listeners face. Such a great man, and so much feeling in his playing and singing. I miss him! R.I.P King.
@SonkleyFiz
sounds like a good time 😎
@NSBERRO
חכחקחקקקלרחגלרחרןרחררןרחרןריןרחחרחרלג
@soulpower121
No doubt
@stuartlimbrick4187
I really miss him too Pr3lude9!