It Don't Mean A Thing
Big Bop Nouveau 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 song "It Don't Mean a Thing" by Big Bop Nouveau is an upbeat tune that sings about the importance of having swing in music. The lyrics claim that a song without swing, regardless of how sweet or hot it may be, just doesn't mean a thing. The "doo wah" chorus emphasizes the playful nature of the song, giving it a jazzy, improvisational feel as if the singers are scatting along with the music.


The theme of this song is universal, as swing has been an important element in music across multiple genres. It is about feeling the rhythm, dancing and connecting to the music on a visceral level. The song calls out to listeners, encouraging them to sing along and put their own spin on the melody, adding to the playful energy of the music.


In essence, "It Don't Mean a Thing" is an anthem for music lovers, urging them to find joy in the simple pleasures of music-making. The song reminds us that the experience of the music is more important than the specifics of the melody, that feeling the rhythm is what connects people to the sound.


Line by Line Meaning

It don't mean a thing
The presence or absence of something is inconsequential


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has a certain rhythm or vibe


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Musical interlude


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude


It don't mean a thing
The presence or absence of something is inconsequential


All you got to do is sing
Just sing, regardless of anything else


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Musical interlude


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude


It makes no diff'rence
It doesn't matter


If it's sweet or hot
Whether it's slow and mellow or fast and lively


Just give that rhythm
Emphasize the beat


Ev'rything you got
Put all your effort into it


Oh, it don't mean a thing
The presence or absence of something is inconsequential


If it ain't got that swing
Unless it has a certain rhythm or vibe


(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Musical interlude


Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
Musical interlude




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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