It Don't Mean a Thing
Anderson Ernestine 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

Anderson Ernestine's song "It Don't Mean a Thing" is a classic jazz tune that speaks to the importance of rhythm and swing in music. The lyrics repeat the phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing," emphasizing how the soulful groove and syncopated beat of swing music are essential to its appeal.


The song also emphasizes the importance of performance, as the lyrics suggest that even if a song is "sweet or hot," it won't have the same impact without the right rhythm and energy. The call and response section of the song, with its simple "doo wah" vocals, reinforces the idea that the strength of the music comes not just from the melody, but also from the energy and excitement of the musicians playing it.


Overall, "It Don't Mean a Thing" is a celebration of the magic that can happen when musicians come together and create music with soul and energy. The song's catchy melody and driving rhythm make it a classic example of the swing genre, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of this music to move people and inspire joy.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
No matter what else is present


If it ain't got that swing
Without the right feeling


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repeating the sound of the music


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuing on with the sound


It don't mean a thing
No matter what else is present


All you got to do is sing
Just sing along


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Keep repeating the sound


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuing on with the sound


It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter


If it's sweet or hot
If it's slow or fast


Just give that rhythm
Play the music with the right feel


Ev'rything you got
Put all of your energy into it


Oh, it don't mean a thing
No matter what else is present


If it ain't got that swing
Without the right feeling


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Repeating the sound of the music


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Continuing on with the sound




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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