It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
4.08 - TVD NOLA Band Lyrics


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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)
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)
It makes no diff'rence
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)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the song "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" by TVD NOLA Band are about the importance of swing music. The phrase "swing" refers to a type of jazz in which the rhythm section accentuates the offbeat, giving the music a bouncing, upbeat feel. The song conveys the message that no matter how good the melody or lyrics may be, if the music doesn't have swing, it's just not as good. The song encourages singers and players to give the rhythm everything they've got in order to make the music swing.


The lyrics suggest that whether the music is sweet or hot, it doesn't really matter as long as it swings. This is a great example of how swing music was popularized in the early 20th century as a form of social dance music that aimed to get people moving on the dance floor. The syncopation and rhythmic drive of swing music made it perfect for dancing, and it quickly became a popular musical genre worldwide.


Overall, the song celebrates the importance of swing music, and encourages people to embrace the rhythm and drive that make swing such an irresistible force.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
It is not significant or valuable


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has that particular rhythm or tempo


All you got to do is sing
All you need to do is use your voice or instrument


It makes no diff'rence
There is no distinction or preference


If it's sweet or hot
Whether it is gentle or intense


Just give that rhythm
Focus on maintaining the beat or flow


Ev'rything you got
Use all of your energy and effort


Oh, it don't mean a thing
Again, it is not significant or valuable


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has that particular rhythm or tempo




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Sophya Rowle

Props to TVD producers for picking such a talented group of musicians!

Athena!E94

Woooo The Vampire Diaires!!!

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