It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Alden Howard 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)
The lyrics to Alden Howard/Dick Hyman Group's song "It Don't Mean a Thing" emphasize the importance of "swing" in music. The repetition of the phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" conveys the message that without the essential element of "swing," music is unimportant and lacks energy. The "doo wah" repetition creates a catchy, musical phrase that emphasizes the importance of rhythm and guides the listener to feel the music's pulse.
The lyrics suggest that a song's sweetness or intensity matters less than its rhythm. The message here is that the rhythm, the beat, the energy of the music is the backbone of any good tune. The lyrics encourage singers, musicians, and listeners to focus on the rhythm of the music and to express themselves through it. The repetition of the phrase "all you got to do is sing" reminds us that music is about participation and expression and that anyone can be part of the joy of music by singing along.
Overall, the song's lyrics are a joyful celebration of the power of rhythm and energy in music, and they encourage the audience to embrace their musical instincts and to feel the music in their bodies. The catchy "doo-wah" repetition helps to reinforce the importance of rhythm and creates a fun, memorable tune.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The object or concept discussed has little or no value or significance
If it ain't got that swing
The object or concept referenced must have a certain quality or attribute to be worthwhile
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repetition of a nonsense phrase as a rhythmic device
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Repetition of a nonsense phrase as a rhythmic device
It don't mean a thing
The object or concept discussed has little or no value or significance
All you got to do is sing
A simple solution to the problem of the object or concept lacking the necessary attribute or quality
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repetition of a nonsense phrase as a rhythmic device
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Repetition of a nonsense phrase as a rhythmic device
It makes no diff'rence
The quality or attribute required for the object or concept to be worthwhile does not matter
If it's sweet or hot
The quality or attribute required for the object or concept to be worthwhile can be subjective or vary in nature
Just give that rhythm
Apply intense effort to the rhythmic quality of the object or concept
Ev'rything you got
Put forth maximum effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
The object or concept discussed has little or no value or significance
If it ain't got that swing
The object or concept referenced must have a certain quality or attribute to be worthwhile
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repetition of a nonsense phrase as a rhythmic device
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Repetition of a nonsense phrase as a rhythmic device
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind