It Ain't Me
Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics to Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra's song "It Don't Mean a Thing" emphasize the importance of "swing" in music. "Swing" refers to a particular rhythmic style and feel that is associated with jazz and big band music. The phrase "It don't mean a thing" suggests that without this swing, the music lacks significance or impact.

The repetition of the phrase "If it ain't got that swing" reinforces the idea that swing is essential for a song to have meaning. The use of onomatopoeic syllables like "doo wah" creates a playful and catchy melody that enhances the overall rhythm and swing feeling of the song.

The line "All you got to do is sing" suggests that singing alone is not enough to make a song significant. The focus is on giving the rhythm everything you've got. It implies that the musicians and performers must fully commit to creating that swing feeling through their playing or singing.

The line "It makes no diff'rence if it's sweet or hot" highlights that swing can be applied to various styles of music, whether it's a slow and romantic melody ("sweet") or a fast-paced and energetic tune ("hot"). The important factor is to infuse the rhythm with that swinging quality.

Overall, the lyrics convey the notion that the essence and significance of a song lie in its ability to capture the spirit and energy of swing. Without swing, regardless of how sweet or hot the melody may be, the music lacks that special quality that makes it truly memorable and impactful.